Justice and Public Safety
November 14, 2017

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety:

Minister Parsons Thanks Retiring Chief Justice Green

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize the career and contributions of the Honourable J. Derek Green, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, Court of Appeal. With 17 years as Chief Justice and over 43 years of experience, dedication and commitment to the justice system of the province, Chief Justice Green has had a tremendous impact on the provincial legal system.

Chief Justice Green is a great legal mind and jurist. His extensive legal career included private practice, chairing the Newfoundland Law Reform Commission and acting as counsel to two commissions of inquiry in the 1980s. He was appointed as a Justice in 1992 and was then appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Trial Division, in 2000. In 2009, he was appointed Chief Justice of Newfoundland and Labrador, Court of Appeal.

Mr. Speaker, very notably, in 2007, Chief Justice Green served as sole commissioner of a public inquiry into constituency allowances and spending practices relating to members of the provincial legislative assembly. The recommendations from his report following the inquiry are what guide the current members of the legislature today.

Throughout his time in the justice system in this province, Chief Justice Green has been involved in advancing the courts and making them more open and accessible. He has been a champion for access to justice and has even spoken on aspects of reform of judicial discipline procedures and court reform at events around the world.

Mr. Speaker, these will be enormous shoes to fill. I ask all Honourable members to join me in thanking Chief Justice Green for his many years of service to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The justice system in this province has been strengthened due to his contributions and his commitment. Thank you.  

2017 11 14                                                    1:50 p.m.