National Prosecution Awards for Top Prosecutors

FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - Oct. 31, 2013) - The Federal/Provincial/Territorial Heads of Prosecution Committee has recognized the accomplishments and contributions of four prosecutors, who were honoured at an awards ceremony. The National Prosecution Awards for Top Prosecutors, instituted in 2006, honours professional excellence, exemplary service, and outstanding achievements in the legal community. Prosecutors may be recognized in the following categories: Commitment to Justice Award, Courage and Perseverance Award and Humanitarian Award.

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

Mr. Erick Bouchard, prosecutor for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada in Quebec City, was awarded the Courage and Perseverance Award 2013. Mr. Bouchard, a tetraplegic following a swimming accident, did not let his physical handicap deter him from pursuing a law degree and a challenging legal career. His commitment to ensuring professional excellence is out of the ordinary and will serve as an example to others for years to come. His tenacity and persistence made Mr. Bouchard a deserving recipient of this award.

Mr. Kevin Gowdey, Crown Attorney for Elgin County, Ontario, was awarded the Commitment to Justice Award 2013. Mr. Gowdey has prosecuted charges that garnered national attention. Mr. Gowdey has been a pioneer with regards to justice efficiency initiatives in areas such as electronic disclosure. His passion for the law along with his tireless efforts to improve how justice is delivered made Mr. Gowdey deserving of praise and recognition evidenced by this award.

Ms. Samantha Hulme, Crown counsel at the Criminal Justice Branch of the British Columbia Ministry of Justice, was awarded the 2013 Humanitarian Award. Ms. Hulme's contributions to stakeholder relations and multi-agency projects and partnerships coupled with her longstanding commitment to international development made her stand out as a dedicated, principled legal professional.

Mr. Yvan Poulin, formerly a prosecutor for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada in Montreal, was awarded the Commitment to Justice Award 2013. Mr Poulin is recognized for his professional excellence and service towards the community at large. He is a dedicated role model whose ongoing courageous actions have contributed to enhancing the public image of the legal profession and the role of the prosecutors in the criminal justice system. His thoroughness, tenacity and persistence in working on high-profile and complex cases involving criminal organizations had earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the community. The Honourable Yvan Poulin was recently appointed to the Criminal and Penal Division of the Court of Quebec in Montreal.

The Federal/Provincial/Territorial Heads of Prosecution 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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