OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 21, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.

Karen P. Hulan, Partner at Beckett Personal Injury Lawyers in London, is appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in Barrie. Justice Hulan replaces Justice S. Healey (Barrie), who resigned effective April 3, 2026.

Quote

"I wish Justice Hulan every success as she takes on her new role. I am confident she will serve the people of Ontario well as a member of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario."

— The Hon. Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Biography

Justice Karen P. Hulan received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Acadia University in 1993, a Bachelor of Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1995, and a Bachelor of Laws from Queen's University in 2002. She was called to the Bar in Ontario in 2003. Prior to practicing law, she taught high school in Newfoundland and Labrador, and in Ontario.

Justice Hulan began her legal career in Toronto before relocating to London in 2006. She practiced exclusively in personal injury and insurance law throughout her career. She was recognized by her peers in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada for Personal Injury Litigation.

Justice Hulan was elected a Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario in 2023. She served as Chair of the Tribunal Committee and Co-Chair of the Futures Committee and was a member of other committees and working groups. She was also President and a long-time Board Trustee of the Middlesex Law Association. She was an adjudicator in both the hearing and appellate divisions of the Law Society Tribunal and served as a Pre-Hearing Conference Adjudicator and Vice-Chair of the Hearing Division.

Justice Hulan has two adult daughters and enjoys spending her leisure time pursuing outdoor activities throughout the year.

Quick facts

• Federal judicial appointments are made by the Governor General, acting on the advice of the federal Cabinet and recommendations from the Minister of Justice.
• The Judicial Advisory Committees across Canada play a key role in evaluating judicial applications. There are 17 Judicial Advisory Committees, with each province and territory represented.

SOURCE Department of Justice Canada