Alberta Crown Prosecution Service Gets New Leader Following Period of Instability
The Alberta government has moved to stabilize its Crown Prosecution Service by appointing a new assistant deputy minister after months of uncertainty and high-profile departures. Lori Dunford, a prosecutor with more than a decade of experience within the department, will assume leadership of the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) effective February 2.
Experienced Prosecutor Steps Into Leadership Role
The Ministry of Justice announced Dunford's appointment on Friday, marking a significant development for an organization that has faced considerable turbulence in recent months. Dunford brings substantial institutional knowledge to the position, having served within the prosecution service for over ten years.
"The ACPS has a crucial mandate, overseeing prosecutions under the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and provincial statutes," ministry spokesperson Juliana Rodriguez stated in an official communication. "In fulfilling this mandate, the ACPS upholds the rule of law by ensuring that prosecutorial functions are undertaken independently, and in a careful, principled and ethical manner."
Rodriguez added that the ministry congratulates and welcomes Dunford to her new position, expressing confidence in her ability to lead the important legal institution.
Background of Organizational Upheaval
Dunford assumes leadership of a department that has experienced significant disruption following the unexpected departures last year of two chief Crown officials. Chief Crown prosecutor Scott Niblock and assistant chief Ryan Abrams left their positions without formal explanation, though sources indicated they were escorted from their offices in November.
The organizational shakeup occurred in the aftermath of an unprecedented action by the Edmonton Police Service, which sent a formal letter to the previous assistant deputy minister objecting to the department's handling of a sensitive child homicide case.
Police Intervention and Prosecutorial Independence
In September, EPS publicly released correspondence from its top lawyer to former assistant deputy minister Kimberley Goddard, protesting an alleged plea agreement in the case of a woman accused of murdering an eight-year-old Indigenous girl. The police service claimed the accused had been offered a manslaughter plea and an eight-year sentence as part of a joint submission.
Although the woman ultimately pleaded guilty to manslaughter, the eight-year joint submission was not advanced during her September hearing. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for February 25-27.
EPS demanded that the Crown withdraw the plea agreement and threatened to release disturbing case details if their request was not honored. Megan Hankewich, acting head of EPS's legal department, stated that police are "frequently aghast with prosecutorial decisions" and would publicly advocate for a stronger prosecution service if changes were not implemented.
Leadership Changes and Judicial Appointment
Goddard, who sources described as a defender of Crown independence following the EPS letter, was appointed as a judge with the Alberta Court of Justice in October. Elizabeth Wheaton, a longtime prosecutor, served as acting assistant deputy minister during the interim period before Dunford's appointment.
The appointment represents a significant step toward restoring stability within Alberta's prosecution service, which plays a critical role in administering justice throughout the province. Dunford's extensive experience within the department positions her to navigate the complex challenges facing the organization while maintaining prosecutorial independence.
