THUNDER BAY — The newest judge to join the bench in Northwestern Ontario has already been presiding over cases since January, but on Thursday he had an opportunity to celebrate the appointment in front of family and colleagues.
“It’s a very emotional time, it’s a very happy time for my family, and celebrating this occasion on their behalf, really that’s why I’m here,” said Justice Stephen Wojciechowski. “I’m just so proud to be part of this community and this family. It’s incredible.”
Wojciechowski was first appointed as a judge of the Superior Court of Justice in January and a swearing-in ceremony was held at the Thunder Bay Courthouse on Thursday.
In the last three months, Wojciechowski has attended judicial training in Montreal and is currently presiding over a civil case.
“This role is a huge responsibility, which I recognize,” he said. “Every day I’ve been doing this job continues to get more challenging and more interesting and more exciting. It’s been a great experience so far.”
Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Wojciechowski completed his bachelor’s degree at Lakehead University before obtaining his law degree from Queen’s University.
In 1990 he was called to the bar and began his law career as an associate with Buset & Eryou, now known as Buset LLP.
Later he joined David Eryou and formed Eryou Barristers, focusing primarily on insurance defence litigation.
“Throughout all of my career, I’ve been a litigator in Thunder Bay and surrounded myself with very talented people and that has made my job easier,” Wojciechowski said.
A family member who was a lawyer inspired him to pursue it as a profession, as he was always intrigued by the justice system and helping others.
“And really that is what we are doing,” he said. “People are coming to us with sometimes major problems, not the best part of their lives, and they need some help, and that is what we are able to do. That was a draw to the profession.”
During the ceremony, speakers congratulated Wojciechowski on his new position, but also advised him that there will be challenges ahead.
The justice system in Northwestern Ontario is currently facing several challenges, including an extremely high case load.
“I’m really taking a page from the books of all the other judges in terms of how to approach whatever challenges there are out there,” Wojciechowski said.
But he added that being a lifelong resident of Northwestern Ontario provides him with an understanding of the issues facing the people of Thunder Bay and the region.
“That understanding I think is going to help me determine what needs to be done. It’s about fair decisions and understanding the people before you and what solutions what would be available to do them,” he said.
“Of course the law is the law, but there is discretion, and understanding Northwestern Ontario like I do will be a huge advantage for me fulfilling my role as judge.”
