“Judge Thompson has served the Provincial Court and the people of Prince Edward Island for 20 years with distinction and fairness,” said Attorney General Dover. “His leadership and knowledge leave a lasting stamp on the justice system in this province. He leaves us with a system better than how he found it. On behalf of the people of Prince Edward Island, it is my pleasure to thank Judge Thompson and wish him the very best in retirement.”

Judge Ralph Thompson completed his formal education at the University of Prince Edward Island and Dalhousie Law School. He practiced with Campbell, Mitchell, Lea, Cheverie and Thompson. In the public sector, Thompson served as a Crown prosecutor, departmental solicitor and Director of Legal Services. In 1985, he was appointed Chief Judge of the Province Court, a position he held until 1990 and again from 1995-2000. Currently, Judge Thompson presides over Provincial Court in Prince County.

Executive Council has instructed that a Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee be constituted. The committee will receive and review applications from persons eligible for appointment under the Provincial Court Act.

“The Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee process was established in 1995 to ensure that the Attorney General receives independent non-partisan advice on the suitability of applicants for appointment to the Provincial Court,” said Attorney General Dover. “I am confident that there are many qualified individuals in Prince Edward Island who would make excellent candidates for this position and I look forward to receiving the recommendations of the committee.”

This will be the third time that a Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee has been struck. The committee will consist of the Chief Judge as chair, one lawyer appointed by the Law Society of Prince Edward Island, one lawyer appointed by the Prince Edward Island Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, and two persons appointed by the Attorney General. The Deputy Attorney General will provide executive assistance to the committee.

A further announcement will be made when the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee has been struck to provide details on the application process.