Minister appoints new Provincial Court judge

Justice Minister and Attorney General Kelvin Parsons today announced the appointment of Lynn E. Spracklin, Q.C., as a judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland, Judicial Centre of St. John�s. She will replace Judge Owen Kennedy, who has elected to retire effective April 30, 2002. Ms. Spracklin�s appointment is effective May 1, 2002.

"I am delighted to announce this appointment. Ms. Spracklin was amongst the first handful of women admitted to the Bar in Newfoundland, and has had a challenging and distinguished career," said Minister Parsons. "I have no doubt that the Provincial Court will benefit from her hard work and experience."

Ms. Spracklin is a native of St. John's, and is the daughter of the late Dr. Garrett M. and Ena Brownrigg. She studied at McGill University, Montreal, Memorial University of Newfoundland (B.A. 1967) and Dalhousie Law School, Halifax. She was awarded the Degree of Barrister-at-Law by the Law Society of Newfoundland and was called to the Bar in 1970. In 1988 she was appointed Queen's Counsel.

Ms. Spracklin spent several years on the legal staff of the City of St. John's and 14 years in private practice before joining the Civil Division of the Department of Justice in 1986. From 1988-90, in addition to her regular duties, she also served as chair and C.E.O. of the Newfoundland Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. In 1990, Ms. Spracklin was appointed Manager, Social Law Unit, Department of Justice and on April 1, 1991 she was appointed Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General. She served in this capacity until November of 2000, when she was appointed General Counsel.

Ms. Spracklin is married to Wayne F. Spracklin, Q.C., and they have two children.

Media contact: Edwina Bateman, Communications, (709) 729-6985.

2002 04 05                         4:40 p.m.