Minister Wilson-Raybould Names New Director of Public Prosecutions

June 27, 2017 - Ottawa, ON - Department of Justice Canada

The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the Government’s appointment of Kathleen Roussel as the next Director of Public Prosecutions. In accordance with the Director of Public Prosecutions Act, the appointment is for a term of seven years.

After graduating from the University of Ottawa French Common Law Program in 1992, Ms. Roussel practised criminal law in Ottawa. She joined the Department of Justice in 2001, holding various management positions of increasing responsibility, until her appointment as Deputy Director of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada in April 2013. In addition to her duties within the Public Prosecution Service, she is also a member of the Executive of the International Association of Prosecutors.

Ms. Roussel’s appointment followed a rigorous selection process as set out in the Director of Public Prosecutions Act, as well as the Government’s new open, transparent and merit-based approach to Governor in Council appointments.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada is committed to an open, transparent and merit-based selection process for Governor in Council appointments.
• The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) was created on December 12, 2006, with the coming into force of the Director of Public Prosecutions Act.
• The PPSC is an independent prosecution service mandated to prosecute offences that are under the jurisdiction of the Attorney General of Canada.
• The PPSC reports to Parliament through the Attorney General of Canada. The relationship between the Attorney General and the Director is premised on respect for the independence of the prosecution function and the need to consult on important matters of general interest.

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