St. Paul’s newest judge has been appointed. Cheryl Arcand-Kootenay has been made a judge in the St. Paul Provincial Court. Arcand-Kootenay has been a member of the Alberta bar since 1993 after graduating from the University of Alberta. The Alexander First Nation member had been focusing on both family as well as aboriginal law as a lawyer.

Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kathleen Ganley says the appointment is a part of making sure the criminal system in the province is representative of the people.

“A more representative judiciary means all Albertans benefit from a greater diversity of experience on the bench. Albertans deserve to see themselves reflected in the people who provide justice in their community.”

Arcand-Kootenay is the third Indigenous judge appointed in the last three years. Judges are appointed through both the Alberta Judicial Council and the Provincial Court Nominating Committee.