Cynthia Alexander aims to do her best to make decisions that are fair and just. (Submitted photo)

By Nigel Maxwell

In the courtroom

Longtime P.A. Prosecutor appointed judge

May 10, 2025 | 12:00 PM

A woman with over 20 years of experience as a Crown Prosecutor in Prince Albert is now stepping behind the bench.

Cynthia Alexander is one of Saskatchewan’s three newest judges and will be at Regina provincial court. While stating becoming a judge was not in her long-term plans, she confirmed that as a young girl, she always wanted to be a lawyer.

“I always enjoyed some spirited debate with my friends and my family,” she said.

After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan in 1996, Alexander went to work at a law firm in Regina for three years before moving to Prince Albert. She noted becoming a prosecutor provided the opportunity to enter a courtroom, and she thrived.

“Certainly, I felt I made a difference. There were many people I met along the way who had been victims of crime, and I could assist [them].”

Closing permanently

Accident at Meadow Lake Provincial Park closes Goodsoil Park Gate

15h ago

WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES

Men walk in heels to stand with survivors at BASAC fundraiser

15h ago

Property Taxes

City of North Battleford sends out property tax notices

17h ago

Cynthia Alexander with the Chief Judge for Sask Provincial Court, Shannon Metivier. (Submitted photo)

In her new role, Alexander said she can continue to serve the province and aims to make decisions that are fair and just.

“I have certainly always enjoyed being in the courtroom so that will continue, and I will listen closely to others who are making arguments before me now, rather than making arguments from another side of the table.”

Alexander acknowledged that judges are often criticized for the decisions they make.

“You have to remind yourself you are being guided by the evidence and by reason and not by speculation or any emotion,” she said, adding that in the event her decision is viewed as not the right one, there are safeguards in place that provide lawyers the opportunity to appeal.

Alexander also acknowledged the public’s perception of what’s been termed Canada’s catch-and-release system. She stated judges don’t influence things going on in the political realm.

“Certainly, there are rules both in the criminal code and guidance given in case law in terms of what judges do in terms of bail applications,” she said.

Another area of concern familiar to Alexander is the increase in gun-related crimes and the public’s call for harsher sentences. While noting guns are dangerous in the hands of people who are committing a crime, she cautioned that each case is highly individualized and there are a number of factors that go into sentencing.

“We can point to the fact there are more gun related crimes in our community now but when sentencing an individual, it’s going to be a factor certainly and an important factor but it’s going to go into the mix with all the other things a judge has to consider about an individual when they are being sentenced,” she said.

While she’ll now live in Regina, hours away from the city she grew up and worked in for most of her legal career, Alexander said she’ll always cherish the time she spent in Prince Albert.

“Prince Albert is always going to have a pretty strong place in my heart.”

The Honourable Lori O’Connor and the Honourable Buffy Rodgers have been appointed to Prince Albert.

Judge O’Connor became a Regional Crown Prosecutor in Melfort in 2019.

She has extensive experience in criminal law and has taken an active role in mentoring law students, as well as providing court and testimony training to nurse examiners, victim services volunteers and peace officers.

Judge Rodgers held a variety of roles from 2001 to 2006, including acting as legal counsel at Legal Aid Saskatchewan and Partner at Wardell Driedger Cotton & Rodgers, later Wardell Gillis Tangjerd Rodgers & Cotton.

She joined the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice and Attorney General as Crown Counsel in 2006 and became a Senior Crown Prosecutor with Saskatchewan Public Prosecutions in 2007. She has held the position of Senior Crown Prosecutor – OH&S since 2015.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social