Newfoundland Judicial Appointment Announced

Chief Justice Wells will replace the Honourable James R. Gushue, who has chosen to become a supernumerary judge.

Called to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1963 and to the Newfoundland Bar in 1964, Chief Justice Wells practised primarily civil and criminal litigation, from 1964 to 1981 in Corner Brook and from 1981 to 1987 in St-John's. Chief Justice Wells was appointed a Judge of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland in May 1998.

Elected Member of the Newfoundland House of Assembly in 1966, Chief Justice Wells served until 1971, and was Minister of Labour from 1966 to 1968. He was Leader of the Opposition from 1987 to 1989, and Premier of Newfoundland from 1989 to 1996, serving also as Acting Attorney General and Minister of Justice in 1995.

This appointment is effective immediately.

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555