News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Marco Cloutier, a provincial court judge in Saint John, has been appointed chief judge of the provincial court. The announcement was made today by Justice and Public Safety Minister Hugh J. Flemming.

“We thank Chief Judge Cloutier for accepting this role as chief judge of the provincial court of New Brunswick,” said Flemming. “He brings eight years of experience on the bench, most recently serving as associate chief judge.”

The chief judge oversees the provincial court, which consists of the chief judge, the associate chief judge, 22 other full-time judges, 11 supernumerary judges and two per diem judges.

Cloutier, who is currently the associate chief judge, succeeds Judge Jolène Richard, who has retired.

“We thank Chief Judge Richard for the contribution she has made on behalf of the people of New Brunswick through her work on the bench and leading the provincial court,” said Flemming.

Cloutier obtained his law degree at the Université de Moncton and was called to the New Brunswick bar in 1998. Prior to his appointment to the provincial court in 2013, he was a partner with the Saint John office of a major Atlantic Canadian law firm where he gained experience in litigation and insurance law. He was recognized in 2010 by Lexpert as one of Canada's Top 40 Under 40 leading lawyers.

Cloutier’s seven-year term as chief judge begins today.