Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Albertans deserve to have access to a fair, accessible and transparent justice system. To strengthen the judiciary and improve access to justice, Alberta’s government has appointed a new justice and a justice of the peace.
“Filling judicial positions at the Alberta Court of Justice has been a priority as it directly improves the responsiveness of the justice system, helping ensure Albertans have timely access to justice. I would like to congratulate those newly appointed and wish them success in their new roles.”
Ryan D. Anderson, KC, will be appointed as a justice to the Alberta Court of Justice, Southern Region effective May 1, and Allison Downey-Damato, KC, has been appointed as a full-time justice of the peace effective April 14. This new appointment will be based in Edmonton, bringing the total number of justices of the peace in Alberta to 43.
“The Alberta Court of Justice is pleased to welcome these appointments and congratulate Mr. Anderson and Ms. Downey-Damato. I am confident their background and experience will serve Albertans well in our commitment to deliver timely and effective access to justice.”
Since June 2023, Alberta’s government has made 18 judicial appointments including three assistant chief justices and nine new justices in 2024, and one assistant chief justice and two new justices in early 2025. These latest appointments bring that total to 20 appointments in under two years.
Ryan D. Anderson, KC received his bachelor of laws degree from the University of Calgary in 2002. He began his career at MMH Lawyers and later joined Huckvale LLP in 2009. He has served as a bencher for the Law Society of Alberta since 2018, and is also involved in service in his local community, including sitting on the boards of SASH Disability Support Services and the Magrath Agricultural Society.
Allison Downey-Damato, KC received her bachelor of laws degree from the University of Alberta in 1999. She started her career at Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (now Dentons LLP) where she articled and practiced civil litigation. In 2002, she moved to the Edmonton Crown Prosecutions Office where she focused on intimate partner violence, sexual assaults and child abuse. In 2009, she became assistant chief crown prosecutor (and later deputy chief prosecutor), supervising family protection matters. In 2021, she moved to the Operations and Strategic Support Office at Alberta Crown Prosecution Service as senior Crown counsel.
Quick facts
- Lawyers with at least 10 years at the bar can apply to become a justice with the Alberta Court of Justice.
- Lawyers with at least five years at the bar can apply to become a justice of the peace. Justice of the peace appointments are for 10 years.
- Applications are reviewed by the Alberta Judicial Council and Alberta Judicial Nominating Committee and then recommended to the minister of justice and cabinet for appointment.
Related information
- Alberta’s government is actively recruiting justices and justices of the peace and encourages qualified lawyers to apply. Qualified lawyers who wish to be considered for appointment can access the application form online.
Related news
- Increasing court capacity (Jan. 15, 2025)
- Strengthening Alberta’s courts (Dec. 4, 2024)