Albertans deserve to have access to a fair, accessible and transparent justice system. To increase capacity in the courts and improve access to justice for those involved in civil, criminal and family matters, Alberta’s government has made five new judicial appointments to the Alberta Court of Justice.

“Continuing to fill judicial appointments directly strengthens the capacity of our courts, helping ensure Albertans have timely access to justice. Those newly appointed will serve Albertans well in their respective divisions and I congratulate them on their new roles.”

Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

Alberta’s government has appointed the following individuals to the Alberta Court of Justice:

  • Tracey Bailey, KC, Edmonton Family and Youth Division, effective June 23.
  • Sheri Epp, Calgary Criminal Division and Calgary Region, effective June 2.
  • Karen McGowan, Edmonton Family and Youth Division, effective June 2.
  • Alicia Wendel, Edmonton Region, effective June 2.
  • Colin Wetter, part-time justice of the peace in Edmonton, effective May 14.

“The Alberta Court of Justice is pleased to welcome and congratulate these new appointments. Access to justice is a fundamental value of our society, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to be heard, receive fair treatment, and obtain timely, meaningful resolution to their legal challenges. I am confident that their backgrounds and experience will serve Albertans well in achieving these goals.”

James Hunter, chief justice, Alberta Court of Justice

Since June 2023, Alberta’s government has made 30 judicial appointments.

Tracey M. Bailey, KC, received her bachelor of laws degree from the University of Alberta in 1991. She started her career as an articling student, continuing as a lawyer at Milner Fenerty. Following academia, she practiced law at Alberta’s Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General before returning to private practice in 2020 as associate counsel at Miller Thomson, LLP, where Ms. Bailey was made partner in 2025.

Sheri Epp received her bachelor of laws degree from the University of Alberta in 1997. She began her career as an articling student, and then as a litigation associate at Code Hunter Wittmann/Gowlings. She then gained litigation experience at Code Hunter LLP, Scott Hall LLP, McCarthy Tetrault LLP, and Talisman Energy Inc. Most recently, Ms. Epp was senior counsel, then became assistant vice-president and associate chief counsel of Individual Insurance and Affinity at Manulife.

Karen McGowan received her bachelor of laws degree from the University of Alberta in 1998. Her focus has always been criminal law, beginning as an articling student at Beresh, Depoe, Cunningham. Since being called to the bar in 1999, she has practiced law for Legal Aid Alberta in the Youth Criminal Defence Office, then as a senior advisory counsel, and finally, in the Criminal Trial Group.

Alicia Wendel received her bachelor of laws degree from Dalhousie University in 1999. She started her career as an articling student at McAllister and Sinclair, then as a barrister at Fix and Smith. From 2001 to present, she has been a Crown prosecutor in rural jurisdictions, practicing in regional courts with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service. Currently, Ms. Wendel is a member of the Alberta Justice Restorative Justice Working Group, the Alberta Justice Sexual Violence Working Group, and the Gladue Systemic Change Project Committee.

Colin Wetter received his bachelor of laws degree from the University of Alberta in 1986. He began his career as an articling student at Howard Mackie in Calgary, then practiced law in the private sector until 1992. He then joined the federal Department of Justice as legal counsel, and –with ever-increasing roles of responsibility – in 2012 became regional director of the Aboriginal Law Services Section (Alberta). Mr. Wetter was regional director of the Tax Law Services Section (Prairie Region) from 2019 to 2022.

Quick facts

  • Lawyers with at least 10 years at the bar can apply to become a justice with the Alberta Court of Justice. 
  • Lawyers with at least five years at the bar can apply to become a justice of the peace. Justice of the peace appointments are for 10 years.
  • Applications are reviewed by the Alberta Judicial Council and Alberta Judicial Nominating Committee, and then recommended to the minister of justice and cabinet for appointment.

Related information

  • Alberta’s government is actively recruiting justices and justices of the peace and encourages qualified lawyers to apply. Qualified lawyers who wish to be considered for appointment can access the application form online.

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