Provincial court judge appointed
Jonah Clements has been appointed the newest judge of the Provincial Court of Prince Edward Island.
Clements begins his role today, June 3, 2026. He is replacing Judge Nancy Orr who has elected to now serve as a part-time judge. The judges of the provincial court have jurisdiction to hear criminal cases and offences contrary to provincial legislation.
“As a long-time member of the PEI legal community, Judge Clements will bring a wealth of expertise to the provincial bench.” The perspectives he has gained as a lawyer, and within government will benefit all those affected by our provincial justice system.”
- Premier Rob Lantz
Provincial court judges are assessed by an independent Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee, which includes representatives of the PEI branch of the Canadian Bar Association, the Law Society of PEI, and the chief judge.
“We are deeply grateful for Judge Orr’s continued service,” said Attorney General Bloyce Thompson. “She is truly a trailblazer. She was the province’s first female provincial court judge when she was appointed to the bench on August 17, 1995, and she has achieved many accomplishments since then.”
Prior to his appointment as judge, Jonah Clements served as Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety with the provincial government. Steve Dowling will be in an acting role as Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety.
“Jonah has served as Deputy Minister of Justice since 2021 and I appreciate his service through challenging times,” said Premier Lantz. “I’d also like to extend my thanks to Denise Lewis Flemming and Michele Koughan who are retiring this summer after their long careers in the civil service. These three people have shown unwavering commitment to the well-being of Islanders as they have managed complex files over the years.”
As previously announced, Brad Colwill has taken the role of Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Rural Development, and Tourism and Jodi Zver will serve as Deputy Minister of Finance and Affordability starting July 6, 2026. Jennifer Evans will serve as Chief Executive Officer of Innovation PEI.
Media contact:
Katie Cudmore
Department of Justice and Public Safety
902-314-3996
katiecudmore@gov.pe.ca
Backgrounder:
Jonah Clements
Jonah Clements was appointed as Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Deputy Attorney General in May 2021. Jonah was called to the bar in 2013 after completing his studies at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie and Carleton Universities. He also studied at the Bucerius Law School in Hamburg, Germany.
Steve Dowling
Steven Dowling (JD, MBA, CFA) is a bilingual senior public sector leader, practicing lawyer and CFA Charter holder. He most recently served as division director of financial and consumer services and superintendent of securities for the government of Prince Edward Island.
Denise Lewis Flemming
Denise is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant who has worked in PEI’s public service since 1992. She has worked in a number of different government departments and agencies, including senior positions before being named the Deputy Minister of Finance in 2021. She will retire later this month after many years of dedicated service.
Michele Keoughan
Michele has worked in various financial service roles within the public service and has worked in progressively responsible financial positions before being named as a Deputy Minister in 2022. Michele retired in May following a distinguished career in the provincial public service.
Jennifer Evans
Jennifer Evans has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Innovation PEI beginning in July 2026. She brings extensive experience in economic development, strategic leadership, and management. Jennifer has also been active in the Island business community and has contributed to a number of boards and organizations.
Jodi Zver
Jodi Zver will serve as Deputy Minister of Finance and Affordability beginning July 2026. She is a Chartered Accountant and an experienced senior leader with a strong background in financial management and operations.
Brad Colwill
Brad Colwill has taken on the role of Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Rural Development, and Tourism. He brings significant experience in public sector leadership and has held a number of senior leadership positions across government. Most recently serving as the CEO of Innovation PEI.