The Court of King’s Bench of New Brunswick welcomes two new justices as part of the ongoing commitment to uphold excellence and integrity in the country’s judicial appointments. The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, made this announcement recently, highlighting the rigorous selection process from 2016 that values transparency, merit, and Canada’s diverse population.
Justice Stephen J. Doucet, hailing from Bouctouche and a practicing attorney for 29 years, fills the vacancy left by Justice F.P. Ferguson in Miramichi, who transitioned to a supernumerary role last October. During his legal career, Doucet has been a notable presence in family, estate, and real estate law. He has served on the Mental Health Review Board of New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Assessment and Planning Appeal Board, and also contributed significantly to the Law Society of New Brunswick in various capacities. In recognition of his commendable contributions, he was honored with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal in 2023.
Meanwhile, Justice Maya Hamou, formerly associated with the Department of Justice and Public Safety for New Brunswick in Fredericton, takes the bench in Moncton. She succeeds Justice J.P. Ouellette, who chose supernumerary status effective April 11, 2023. Having begun her legal journey as Commission Counsel for the Cornwall Public Inquiry, Hamou later represented New Brunswick in courts across various levels. Her recent role as a Hearing Officer had her leading emergency hearings under the Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Act and overseeing Small Claims Court adjudications. Additionally, Hamou has dedicated herself to legal education, mentoring budding legal minds at the University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law.
Minister Virani commented on the appointments, saying, “I wish Justices Doucet and Hamou every success as they take on their new roles. I am confident they will serve the people of New Brunswick well as members of the Court of King’s Bench of New Brunswick.”
Both justices bring to the court not just their legal prowess but also their dedication to the province, ensuring that New Brunswick’s judiciary remains robust and competent.
