Former Bradford mayor appointed justice of the peace

Former Bradford mayor Doug White became a new justice of the peace (JP) during a virtual ceremony this week with the Ontario Court of Justice.

Facilitated by Regional Senior Justice of the Peace Martha de Gannes, who hosted the ceremony, White was officially sworn in alongside Joel Patrick Kulmatycki, who also became a JP during the live-streamed event.

Both men were selected after an intense interview process and were recommended by Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte MPP Doug Downey, Ontario's Attorney General, and approved by the Chair Cabinet on June 23.

The justice of the peace branch is described as the first phase of justice and is who individuals see while attending a court proceeding.

White’s duties will include search warrants, making decisions in bail and case management court, trials in traffic court, beginning of criminal and Provincial Offences Act, and more serious trials involving child abuse.

The role of the justice of the peace is "very complex and important," said Associate Chief of Justice Sharon Nicklas.

“To prepare for these daunting tasks, they have the benefit of an extensive, judicial, education mentoring program led by senior justice of the peace,” said Nicklas. “Many who appear before a new justice of the peace will be at the lowest point in their lives, and also the most vulnerable in our society."

White was a trainer for learning and development with Canada Post where he worked for more than 30 years and is also an advisor with his consulting firm. 

He served two terms as the mayor for the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury up to 2014 and also served as a Simcoe County councillor due to his role as mayor.

“I remember during your interview, how much you were candid and open. You weren’t shy," said de Gannes. "You spoke clearly that you have dealt with conflicts when needed in your past roles, which demonstrated strong resolution skills."

When the panel inquired about White for the role as justice of the peace, individuals shared how well he works with marginalized members of the community, and how he viewed others with an "open lens."

"As a former elected official, you would have handled many issues around affordable housing, social services, municipal regulations, and proactively do that professionally – skills that will benefit you in this appointment," de Gannes said. "You will have a valuable insight into the challenges and social issues facing our community."

“Thank you very much for your heartfelt words of welcome and encouragement," White said. "All of you have key positions in our judicial system and while those positions are different, we’re all on the same team. And today, I am enormously proud to be officially be a member of that great team."