(Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge’s Derek G. Redman appointed Chief Judge of Alberta Provincial Court

Jun 9, 2020 | 1:41 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has announced a major appointment for a judge from Lethbridge.

Derek G. Redman graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario in 1981, and after practicing in Calgary for a few years, began working for Davidson & Williams in Lethbridge in 1984. He has been based in the city ever since.

Redman was appointed Queen’s counsel in 2000, a provincial court judge in 2007, and the assistant chief judge in 2017.

“My most heartfelt congratulations to Judge Redman on his appointment,” says Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer. “As an experienced jurist, he has served Albertans well, and I am confident Judge Redman will provide expert leadership as the courts navigate the way forward in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Schweitzer was part of the chief judge selection panel and says “quite a few” people applied for this position.

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He was particularly impressed with Redman’s leadership qualities, leadership skills, his record as a jurist, that he cares deeply about his community, and that he has a practical approach to tackling difficult issues.

“It was clear to me that this was the type of person that we need to lead the Provincial Court of Alberta.”

The role of the chief judge is to manage the court in the interest of the public while ensuring the efficient administration of justice.

The chief judge represents provincial court judges and acts as an advocate of the court.

Especially as Alberta looks to exit the COVID-19 pandemic, Schweitzer says Redman will play a key role in deciding how court operations will work going forward.

“As we come out of the pandemic and we come up with creative solutions for how we’re going to run jury trials, my department has to provide them with that type of services and access to facilities. We’re looking at community halls that’re a little bigger so we can social distance for a jury. A chief judge often brings forward solutions from their leadership team at the provincial court.”

Redman will serve a seven-year term and will be the replacement for Terry Matchett, who was appointed in 2013.

He assumes his new role at the beginning of August 2020.