Back in cabinet

John Gerretsen appointed Attorney General of Ontario

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John Gerretsen
Image supplied by: Journal file photo
John Gerretsen

Premier Dalton McGuinty named John Gerretsen Attorney General yesterday afternoon.

“I feel very honoured and privileged to be placed in this position,” the Member of Provincial Parliament for Kingston and the Islands said.

“It’s all about making sure that the judicial system we have functions in a very efficient and accessible and speedy fashion.”

Gerretsen is the longest serving MPP for Kingston and the Islands, having successfully run five times — most recently in the Oct. 6 provincial election.

This isn’t Gerretsen’s first time in cabinet; he’s served as the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing from 2003 to 2007, the Minister of Environment from 2007 to 2010, and the Minister of the Consumer Services in 2010.

Prior to being chosen for McGuinty’s cabinet, he worked as a practicing lawyer in Kingston and spent time as a deputy small claims court judge. He was also Kingston’s mayor from 1980 to 1988.

“I think that I bring an overall sense of justice that should be there,” he said.

Gerretsen said despite the extra commitment that this new cabinet position entails, his duties as MPP take priority.

“Being an MPP is always paramount,” he said. “That is number one.” As Attorney General, Gerretsen said his primary duties are to ensure that courts and lawyers cooperate in a fair and consistent fashion and that the public retain trust in the judicial process.

Gerretsen has been in politics for almost 40 years, but he doesn’t see the new appointment as the high point of his career.

“There may be many more highlights to follow,” he said.

Tags

cabinet, John Gerretsen, Local Politics

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