Today I rise in this Honourable House to pay tribute to two members of the judiciary who are moving into different stages of their careers and also to congratulate another jurist on his recent appointment.

Chief Justice Clyde Kirby Wells of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador Appeal Division certainly needs no introduction to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador having served as premier from 1989 until 1996. Appointed to the Appeal Court in 1998 and having served as Chief Justice since 1999, Mr. Wells' resignation was effective February 28, 2009. He now sits as supernumerary judge with the Court of Appeal and we are pleased to retain his considerable experience on the bench.

As a young lawyer in Corner Brook I had the distinct privilege of working under the tutelage of Mr. Wells. At that time he was already one of the province�s most well known and respected lawyers. My experiences during that period had a profound influence upon my legal career. Not only was Mr. Wells a great lawyer, we was an equally great mentor. I still not only have the honour of calling Mr. Wells a legal colleague, but also a good friend.

Chief Justice Derek Green of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador Trial Division has assumed the duties of Chief Justice of the Appeal Court. A Rhodes Scholar he was first appointed to the Supreme Court in 1992 and the Court of Appeal in 1996. He has served as Chief Justice of the Trial Division since 2000. Familiar to members of this Honourable House and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador as the author of the Green Report, I have full confidence in Chief Justice Green and his abilities to hold the highest judicial position in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Since 2001 the Honourable Milton Reginald Reid has served the people of Newfoundland and Labrador as Chief Judge of Provincial Court. Earlier this month, Chief Judge Reid submitted to me his letter of resignation after 34 years of exceptional service as a judge with the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Born in Norris Point, Chief Judge Reid�s career has been varied having been employed as a social worker and parole officer prior to becoming a magistrate in 1975. Throughout his time as a Provincial Court Judge Chief Judge Reid has taken on many roles and excelled at each, raising the standards in the courtroom. During his time with Provincial Court Chief Judge Reid served the judicial centres of Grand Falls-Windsor, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and St. John�s, places which I know hold fond memories for him and those with whom he worked. Before being appointed Chief Judge he held the position of Coordinating Judge for the St. John�s court.

Chief Judge Reid has informed me that his retirement from the Office of Chief Judge and Judge of the Provincial Court is effective April 30, 2009. As Chief Judge he has provided essential leadership at Provincial Court and undoubtedly his presence in both the courtroom and amongst the legal community of our province will be missed though I am pleased he will continue to serve as chair of the Criminal Code Mental Disorder Review Board.

On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador I thank Chief Justice Wells and Chief Judge Reid for their service to our province and wish them much success in their future endeavours and I also offer our congratulations to Chief Justice Green on his appointment.