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February 27, 1998
(Justice)

Justice Minister Chris Decker today announced the appointment of Gloria Harding as a judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland. She will fill a vacancy in the Provincial Court in Gander.

Ms. Harding first began her career as a legal secretary, went on to attend and graduate from Dalhousie Law School, and was admitted to the Bar in 1979. She was a private legal practitioner from 1979-1991 with the law firms of Hall and Harding; Learmonth and Harding; Parsons, Learmonth, Dunne and O'Hara; and Greene, Kelly, Harding and Fraize. In 1991 Ms. Harding joined the Legal Aid Commission, where she has continued her practice of law in a broad range of criminal, civil and family law cases.

First elected a bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland in 1993, in 1996-97 she became honorary secretary, and currently holds the position of treasurer. This is the highest position in the governing body of the legal profession in the province.

In addition to her significant professional accomplishments, Ms. Harding has been very active in the community. She has served as a member of the executive and a director of the Association for Co-operative Community Living, Education and Support Services (Access), and between 1986-88 served as a director of the St. John's Board of Trade. She also served as a member of the Steering Committee on Co-operative Education with the Department of Education, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Decker said that the process established by the Provincial Court Act in Newfoundland for the appointment of judges ensures that only those who enjoy the confidence of the Bar, the Judiciary and the community can achieve appointment to the Provincial Court. The act establishes a Judicial Council of six members consisting of a Justice of the Supreme Court, a Bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland, the President of the Newfoundland Provincial Judges' Association, the Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland, and two members of the general public. It is the function of the Judicial Council to consider all applicants for judicial appointment, and to make a recommendation to the minister with respect to those applicants. Only those recommended may be appointed. Mr. Decker said that it is evident from Ms. Harding's significant accomplishments that she has earned the confidence and respect of her profession and the community organizations with which she has been involved.

Ms. Harding is married and has a daughter and two step sons.

Contact: Karen McCarthy, (709) 729-0110.