Major shakeup announced at provincial court
CBC News | Posted: September 28, 2015 5:12 PM | Last Updated: September 28, 2015
Pamela Goulding named new chief judge after Mark Pike resigns
There's been an unexpected and somewhat unique shakeup at the highest levels of the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial court with Pamela Goulding named chief judge, replacing her husband Mark Pike.
Justice Minister Darin King announced Goulding's appointment, and Pike's resignation, on Monday.
Goulding was appointed to the bench in 2012 in a ceremony that was conducted by her husband.
She was called to the bar in Newfoundland and Labrador in 1986.
She is the first-ever female chief judge in Newfoundland and Labrador.
"The considerable knowledge and experience she gained first as a prosecutor and then as a judge will serve her well in her new role," King stated in a news release.
King also commended Pike for the six years he served as chief judge, saying "much positive work was undertaken at provincial court."
When contacted by email, Pike said he had no comment at this time.
His resignation as chief judge is effective immediately, though he will continue to serve as a provincial court judge.
Chief Judge Goulding, meanwhile, was born in Grand Falls-Windsor, and received her law degree from Dalhousie University in 1985.
She has previously served as senior Crown attorney in charge of the special prosecutions office, which is responsible for prosecuting complex and sensitive criminal cases, extradition matters and appeals.
She also argued two murder appeals before the Supreme Court of Canada.
In 2006, she was appointed director of public prosecutions in 2006, and instituted an extensive rejuvenation of the public prosecutions division following the recommendations of the Lamer Report.
She was appointed Queen's Counsel in October 2008.