Gender Parity Achieved on Provincial and Family Court

Ann Marie Simmons, chief federal prosecutor with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, was appointed as a new provincial and family court judge today, Nov. 10.

Ms. Simmons has practiced law for 31 years. She joined the Public Prosecution Service of Canada Atlantic Region in 2005 after almost a decade with Nova Scotia’s Public Prosecution Service.

Over her career, Ms. Simmons has led many complex criminal prosecutions, including money laundering, historic sexual assault and homicide cases. She was a member of the organized crime and proceeds of crime team.

She is also a member of the Criminal Justice Transformation Group, a body of senior criminal justice leaders who work together to improve and strengthen the system.

Ms. Simmons sits on several committees and is heavily involved in education programs for young lawyers and students. Her community activities include volunteering time for youth sports, including paddling, soccer and baseball.

With this appointment, Nova Scotia has reached gender parity on the provincial and family court.

“Achieving gender parity on the bench is a historic moment in our province,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Ms. Simmons is an experienced and highly qualified prosecutor who will make an excellent addition to the provincial and family courts.”

Eighteen of the province’s 35 full-time provincial and family court judges are now women.

For more information on Nova Scotia courts, visit www.courts.ns.ca.