The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.
Laura B. Stewart, Partner at Gowling WLG in Ottawa, is appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in Ottawa. Justice Stewart replaces Justice G.D. Lemon (Guelph), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective December 12, 2022. The Chief Justice has transferred Justice C. Petersen (Brampton) into this vacancy. The vacancy is therefore located in Brampton.
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"I wish Justice Stewart every success as she takes on her new role. I am confident she will serve Ontarians well as a member of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario."
-The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Biography
Justice Laura B. Stewart was born and raised in Halifax. She has degrees in chemistry and law from Dalhousie University as well as a diploma in piano performance (ARCT) from the Royal Conservatory of Music. While at law school, she was on the team that won the Gale Cup and Commonwealth Mooting competitions. She was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1995.
Justice Stewart practiced civil litigation at Gowling WLG in Ottawa and became a partner in 2002. Her practice took her to numerous locations across Ontario, particularly eastern and northern communities. She practiced in the areas of health law, medical defence, and professional regulation. She has a particular interest in mental health law.
Justice Stewart was actively involved in advocacy and legal education, delivering frequent programs on issues of advocacy techniques and substantive law for various organizations. She served on the Board of Directors of The Advocates' Society from 2010 to 2013 and chaired the Standing Committee on Advocacy and Practice from 2012-2013. In 2016, she received The Advocates' Society Award for Excellence in Teaching.
