The appointments will take effect on January 30
The Ontario government has announced the appointments of Christopher K. Assié, Michael Sean Gaudet, and Michelle Louise Rumble as judges of the Ontario Court of Justice.
Justice Christopher K. Assié has over 15 years of experience as a criminal defence lawyer and prosecutor. Called to the bar in Quebec and Ontario, Justice Assié began his career at a commercial litigation firm before transitioning to criminal law, representing clients in the official languages. Most recently, he served as an assistant crown attorney with the Guns and Gangs Unit of the Ministry of the Attorney General, where he prosecuted serious offences, including homicides and firearms cases.
Justice Assié actively participates in community initiatives alongside his legal work. He has volunteered with Hogtown Roller Derby and the Moosonee Puppy Rescue and has supported French-language education through his work with the Viamonde French Language School Board. Chief Justice Sharon Nicklas has assigned him to a bilingual position in Brampton.
Justice Michael Sean Gaudet, who was called to the bar in 1994, has practised law in both English and French for over two decades. He worked with the Department of Justice Canada in Toronto and Vancouver, representing the Attorney General of Canada and the Minister of Justice before various courts and tribunals, including the Supreme Court of Canada. He earned a promotion to senior general counsel in 2022.
Justice Gaudet is also a dedicated community volunteer. He has coached little league baseball for over a decade and has served on the boards of organizations supporting French-speaking communities in Ontario and British Columbia. Chief Justice Nicklas has assigned him to a bilingual position in Toronto.
Justice Michelle Louise Rumble, called to the bar in 1997, brings a wealth of prosecutorial experience. During her 20-year tenure as an assistant crown attorney in the York Region, she conducted complex prosecutions involving homicide, human trafficking, and firearms offences. Justice Rumble has also worked with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and recently provided legal advice to the Future of Sport in Canada Commission.
Justice Rumble has been deeply involved in legal education and community service, organizing courthouse field trips for Francophone students and volunteering with the Ontario Justice Education Network. Chief Justice Nicklas has assigned her to a bilingual position in Newmarket.
The appointments will take effect on January 30.
