EDMONTON — Former Alberta deputy premier Ron Stevens has been appointed to the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench.
Chief Justice Allan Wachowich said he was notified by the federal government.
“We are very pleased with the appointments — very pleased with Mr. Stevens’s in particular,” Wachowich said Wednesday.
“He comes to us with a great reputation as a trial lawyer and with vast experience — highly regarded, highly respected, and I have every reason to believe that he will be a very, very good judge.”
Stevens resigned from the government Friday after serving in several cabinet portfolios, including justice and international and intergovernmental relations.
He was considered to be Premier Ed Stelmach’s Calgary lieutenant.
Wachowich said the federal government has also appointed Calgary lawyer Paul Jeffrey to the Court of Queen’s Bench and elevated Justice Bruce McDonald to the Alberta Court of Appeal.
The Prime Minister’s Office has yet to officially announce the judicial appointments.
Stevens, who was the member of the legislature for Calgary Glenmore, could not immediately be reached for comment.
His departure leaves the Progressive Conservatives with 71 of Alberta’s 83 seats. The Liberals have nine members and the New Democrats hold two seats.
Stelmach has six months to call a byelection.
Calgary Ald. Diane Colley-Urquhart, a longtime Conservative, has announced she is seeking the party nomination in the riding.