To support court capacity and improve access to justice for Albertans living in the north, Alberta’s government is filling key leadership roles through the appointment of a new Assistant Chief Justice for the Northern Region of the Alberta Court of Justice. This appointment recognizes Justice Marceau’s extensive judicial experience and long-standing service to northern Alberta communities, as well as Alberta’s commitment to building a responsive and well-supported justice system for all Albertans.

“Ensuring timely access to justice for all Albertans is a priority for our government. Justice Marceau brings years of experience and leadership to his new role as Assistant Chief Justice. I welcome him to this important position with the Northern Region of the Alberta Court of Justice.”

Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

Justice Marceau has served as a justice in the Northern Region of the Alberta Court of Justice since 2018. His appointment as Assistant Chief Justice of the Alberta Court of Justice’s Northern Region reflects his deep commitment to public service and his understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in northern Alberta. The appointment will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

“The Alberta Court of Justice is pleased to welcome Justice Marceau as the next Assistant Chief Justice for the Northern Region. His thoughtful approach and commitment to justice will continue to serve the Court and Albertans well. I extend my sincere appreciation to Assistant Chief Justice Andrea Chrenek for her many years of outstanding service and her contributions to strengthening access to justice in northern Alberta and to the court as a whole.”

James Hunter, Chief Justice, Alberta Court of Justice

Since June 2023, the Alberta government has made 34 judicial appointments to improve Albertans’ access to justice. This latest appointment brings that total to 35 appointments in less than two and a half years.

Justice Robert Marceau received his bachelor of laws degree from the University of Alberta in 1998.  From 1998, he practiced criminal law for 20 years in Peace River, including 10 years as an agent for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. He served as managing partner at Mathieu Hryniuk LLP for seven of those years. During that time, he mentored several articling students. Since 2018, he has served as a justice in the Northern Region of the Alberta Court of Justice, currently based out of Slave Lake. He currently serves on the board of the Alberta Provincial Judges Association and chairs the Alberta Court of Justice’s Articling Student Committee. Justice Marceau will continue his distinguished career in the Northern Region in this new leadership role as the Assistant Chief Justice.

Quick facts

  • Lawyers with at least 10 years at the bar can apply to become a justice with the Alberta Court of Justice.
  • Applications are reviewed by the Alberta Judicial Council and Alberta Judicial Nominating Committee, then recommended to the minister of justice and cabinet for appointment.
  • There are nine Assistant Chief Justices in the various regions and divisions of the Court of Justice.
  • Assistant Chief Justices work in consultation with the Chief Justice to designate court sittings and perform functions delegated to them by the Chief Justice.

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