Judicial Appointments in Ontario: A Look at the Latest Announcements
The legal community in Ontario was abuzz in late July with news from Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, who announced a series of significant judicial appointments in the province.
Minister Virani expressed confidence in the newly appointed judges, stating, “I wish Justices Pomerance, Tzimas, Flaherty, DeLorenzi, and Horvat every success as they take on their new roles. I am confident they will serve Ontarians well as members of the Court of Appeal for Ontario and the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario.”
Since 2015 Canada's government has appointed more than 760 judges, 137 of which were appointed since Virani assumed office.
Key Appointments
Justice Renee M. Pomerance has been appointed to the Court of Appeal for Ontario in Toronto, transitioning from her current role as Regional Senior Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario for the Southwest Region. She fills the vacancy left by Justice D.H. Doherty, who retired on March 9, 2024.
Pomerance is a distinguished alumna of the University of Toronto, holding a Bachelor of Science (Honours – with distinction) and a Bachelor of Laws. Called to the Bar of Ontario in 1989, she has a robust background in criminal and constitutional law and judicial education. Justice Pomerance's career includes significant roles such as Senior Advisor at the National Judicial Institute.
Justice E. Ria Tzimas, previously a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in Brampton, will now serve as Regional Senior Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario for the Central West Region. Justice Tzimas succeeds Justice L. Ricchetti, who became a supernumerary judge as of July 30, 2023.
Tzimas has a rich history in Aboriginal law, civil litigation, and dispute resolution. Prior to her judicial career, she was a Crown attorney and an adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School.
Justice Michelle Flaherty, formerly a sole practitioner in Ottawa, takes on the role of Judge at the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in L’Orignal. She replaces Justice J.O.R. Pelletier, who assumed supernumerary status on May 1, 2023.
Flaherty has an extensive academic and professional background. She is known for advocating access to justice, and her experience in civil litigation, employment law and human rights is well recognized. She is also noted for her work as Vice-Chair of the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.
Justice Brian DeLorenzi, a partner at O’Neill DeLorenzi Nanne in Sault Ste. Marie, has been appointed to the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in Sault Ste. Marie, succeeding Justice E.E. Gareau, who became a supernumerary judge effective June 30, 2024.
Delorenzi is a lifelong resident of Sault Ste Marie. He's known for his extensive legal experience in areas such as civil litigation, particularly in insurance defence and personal injury. His contributions to the legal community are complemented by his active involvement in civic organizations.
Justice Jacqueline A. Horvat, previously Counsel at Gillian Hnatiw & Co. in Toronto, joins the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in Windsor, taking over from Justice K.W. Munroe, who retired on February 7, 2024.
Horvat has a wealth of experience in commercial disputes and is widely regarded for her advocacy for equity, diversity and inclusion. She served as treasurer of the Law Society of Ontario previously.