The federal Department of Justice announced on October 8, 2026, that Justice Thomas Rothwell was appointed to the Court of Appeal of Alberta in Edmonton, succeeding Justice Frans Slatter, who retired in August. Malcolm M. Lavoie, K.C., previously Alberta's Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General, was appointed to the Court of King's Bench in Edmonton. Lavoie fills the vacancy created by Rothwell's elevation, effective October 7. These are judicial appointments, not amendments to appellate procedure or new rules affecting existing claims.
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Two judicial appointments announced for Alberta courts
Justice Thomas Rothwell has been appointed to Alberta's Court of Appeal, while Malcolm Lavoie, K.C., has joined the Court of King's Bench in Edmonton. The federal Justice Department announced both appointments on October 8.
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