Alberta’s government continues to strengthen Alberta’s justice system through strategic judicial appointments across the province. One individual will be appointed as an applications judge of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta and three will be appointed as justices of the Alberta Court of Justice.

The appointments will add capacity in Edmonton, Calgary Criminal Division/Calgary Region and the Northern Region, ensuring timely access to justice and supporting public safety across the province.

“Marie Strauss, KC, Jean-Pascal Siewe, Christian Banks and Timothy Burnham each bring extensive legal experience, sound judgment and a strong commitment to public service. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will serve Albertans well in these important roles. I congratulate each of them and wish them every success.”

Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General 

The Alberta government is appointing Marie Strauss, KC, to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta as an applications judge in Edmonton, effective Oct. 13. Three justices are also being appointed to the Alberta Court of Justice:

  • Jean-Pascal Siewe, Calgary Criminal/Calgary Region, effective Sept. 29.
  • Christian Banks, Northern Region, effective Oct. 26.
  • Timothy Burnham, Northern Region, effective Dec. 1. 

“The Court of King’s Bench is pleased to welcome Marie Strauss to the Court. Ms. Strauss has demonstrated her dedication to public service, having served in several roles in the Ministry of Justice over the years. Her deep experience as a practitioner and legal advisor will equip her well in her new role with the Court.”

Kent H. Davidson, Chief Justice, Court of King’s Bench of Alberta

“The Alberta Court of Justice is pleased to welcome and congratulate each of the newly appointed justices. Their appointments are an important addition to the Court, and we look forward to the dedication and expertise they will bring to serving Albertans and strengthening a justice system that is fair, accessible and timely.”

James Hunter, Chief Justice, Alberta Court of Justice

Since June 2023, Alberta’s government has made a total of 54 judicial appointments, including 51 to the Alberta Court of Justice – justices of the peace, justices, assistant chief justices and a chief justice – and three applications judges to the Court of King’s Bench. 

Court of King’s Bench appointment 

Marie Strauss, KC, has served as assistant deputy minister of Alberta Justice’s Legal Services Division since January 2025, overseeing the delivery of civil law legal and strategic advice to government. She previously served as an executive director of the division from 2018 to 2025 and as executive director of Court of Queen’s Bench Administration from 2016 to 2018. Before joining Alberta Justice in 2014 as a director in the legal services division, Ms. Strauss worked as senior legal counsel at the University of Alberta from 2011 to 2014. A graduate of the University of Alberta, she received her bachelor of laws in 2002 and articled and practised civil and commercial litigation with Bishop and McKenzie LLP from 2002 to 2011.

Alberta Court of Justice appointments 

Jean-Pascal Siewe has served as bilingual resolution counsel with the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta since 2021, hearing family law matters in a mediated setting and preparing orders and judgments in English and French. From 2012 to 2021, he operated a bilingual law firm focused mainly on family, immigration, real estate, criminal and civil law. He attended the College of Law and BPP Law School in London, England, before completing his National Committee on Accreditation certification with the Federation of the Law Societies of Canada in 2011.

Christian Banks has more than 28 years of experience as a criminal trial lawyer. He is currently a managing lawyer with Banks Gubbins Tomlinson Law Offices in Grande Prairie, where he has practised since 2009. Mr. Banks has served on the Legal Aid Alberta Appeals Committee since 2020 and mentored lawyers through the Law Society of Alberta Mentor Program since 2015. He received his bachelor of laws with honours from the University of Ottawa in 1997. 

Timothy Burnham has practised with Burnham Law Group since 2006 and became a partner in 2009. His practice has included family law, mediation and civil litigation and now focuses on corporate law, estate planning and real estate transactions. He served as a mediator with Alberta Justice Resolution Services from 2008 to 2017 and has held leadership roles in the legal profession and the Grande Prairie community. He received his bachelor of laws from the University of Alberta in 2006. 

Quick facts

  • To be eligible for an applications judge appointment, candidates must have been at the bar for at least 10 years. Applications are only accepted during an open competition.
  • Applications judges deal with matters regarding civil law, maintenance enforcement, foreclosures, bankruptcy, residential tenancy disputes and builders’ liens. 
  • Lawyers with at least 10 years at the bar can apply to become a justice with the Alberta Court of Justice. Applications are accepted year-round for justice positions for the Alberta Court of Justice. Each application undergoes a thorough, independent review by Judicial Council and then, if recommended, by the Alberta Judicial Nominating Committee before being recommended for appointment.

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