GOVERNMENT NOMINATES LITIGATION EXPERT TO LEAD PUBLIC PROSECUTION SERVICE

OTTAWA, February 18, 2008 -- The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the Government’s nomination of Brian J. Saunders for the position of Director of Public Prosecutions. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada, which Mr. Saunders will head, was created in December 2006 as part of the Federal Accountability Act.

Mr. Saunders has been Acting Director of Public Prosecutions since December 2006. He began his career with the Department of Justice Canada in 1978, after having graduated from the University of Alberta Law School in 1975 and obtaining an LL.M. from Cambridge University in 1977. He is a member of the Bar of Ontario.

“Mr. Saunders’ expertise and dedication to working in the best interest of Canadians were proven during his time as Acting Director,” said Minister Nicholson. “As Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Saunders will continue to be instrumental in maintaining the level of excellence Canadians expect from their criminal justice system.”

For more information on the Director of Public Prosecutions selection process, visit:
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cs/D-2.5///en?page=1

- 30 -

For more information:

• Darren Eke
  Press Secretary
  Office of the Minister of Justice
  613-992-4621

• Media Relations
  Department of Justice Canada
  613-957-4207