News release

Provincial Court Judge
Appointed

Justice

Alan T. Tufts, QC, was appointed a provincial court judge today by Justice Minister Alan Mitchell. Mr. Tufts will sit in the Kentville area.

Mr. Tufts obtained his B.Sc. and B.Ed. from Dalhousie University. He graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 1979 and was called to the bar the same year.

Mr. Tufts was a teacher at Hants West Rural High School before beginning his career in law as an associate with Thorpe Buntain Muttart and Forse in Kentville. In 1983, he became a partner in that firm, later known as Muttart Tufts Dewolfe and Coyle. He continued his practice until his appointment to the bench.

Since 1995, Mr. Tufts has served as a part-time member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Public Complaints Commission. He has been an active member of his community, serving as president of the Kinsmen Club of Kentville, the Valley Youth Programs Society, the Kentville and Area Board of Trade, and the Kings County Barristers' Society. He has also been an active member of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society.

"Mr. Tufts is well respected for his compassion and his dedication to his clients and community," said Mr. Mitchell. "I am delighted he has agreed to serve Nova Scotians in this new role."

"The appointment of Mr. Tufts is a welcome one," said Chief Judge Jean-Louis Batiot of the provincial court. "The people of Nova Scotia will be well served by his continuing contribution to the legal community in this province."

Provincial judicial appointments are recommended by an advisory committee. This committee consists of two members appointed by the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society, the chief judges of the provincial and family courts and four lay persons from the community at large. The committee reviews the applicants on a broad range of criteria, which includes an evaluation of the candidates' qualifications, intellectual and judgmental ability, professional excellence and community awareness.