National Prosecution Awards for Top Prosecutors

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwire - Oct. 15, 2012) - The Federal/Provincial/Territorial Heads of Prosecutions Committee has recognized the outstanding accomplishments of two prosecutors, who were honoured at an awards ceremony held last Friday. The award program, instituted in 2006, honours professional excellence, exemplary service, and outstanding achievements.

The awards were presented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Manitoba, the Honourable Andrew Swan.

The following prosecutors were chosen for their contributions to advancing and promoting prosecutions within the Canadian criminal justice system:

Ms. M. B. Lorraine Préfontaine, Director, Special Prosecutions Branch with the Manitoba Prosecution Service, and Mr. Robert W.G. Gillen, QC, former Assistant Deputy Attorney General of British Columbia, were both awarded the Commitment to Justice Award 2012. Their nominations describe the accomplishments and merit of both prosecutors:

• Ms. Préfontaine's passion for the law and tireless efforts to improve how justice is delivered has earned her this award. Where others might see obstacles in the system, Ms. Préfontaine sees challenges to be conquered. She has taken many roles in the Department and has worked with many groups over the years at the provincial and federal levels, including a leading role with the High Risk Offender Working Group where she was instrumental in advocating for reforms to better protect the public. Her unwavering dedication to improving the effectiveness of the criminal justice system has made her an invaluable resource for Manitoba Justice.

• Mr. Gillen's tremendous contribution to the administration of justice has earned him this award. His commitment to the well-being of the Criminal Justice Branch, its employees and its role in the overall administration of justice has been unwavering. Mr. Gillen led the BC Prosecution Service through difficult fiscal times and significant changes in the legal landscape, staunchly safeguarding the role of the prosecutor and principled decision-making in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion. He constantly demonstrated a deep sense of loyalty to, and appreciation for, the role of the prosecutors and their place in the furtherance of justice.

The FPT Heads of Prosecutions Committee brings together the leaders of Canada's prosecution services to promote assistance and cooperation on operational issues relating to criminal prosecutions. The Committee also provides the prosecution perspective to Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers and Deputy Ministers Responsible for Justice.

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