Kelly Weeks was sworn in Friday as Algoma District's chief prosecutor at a ceremony before a packed audience in the largest courtroom at the Sault Ste. Marie courthouse.
The Sault Ste. Marie native, who was appointed to the Crown attorney's job early last year, is the first woman to head the local office — "a pioneer in the position" noted her predecessor Bill Johnson.
Weeks took her oath of office at a special sitting of the Superior and Ontario courts of justice, which was attended by judges, retired judges, justices of the peace, Crown and defence lawyers, police officials, court staff, family and friends.
Crown Attorney Kelly Weeks is sworn in at the Sault Ste. Marie Courthouse on Friday. Michael Purvis/SooTodaySpeakers at the ceremony lauded Weeks for her devotion and dedication to her family and the community, her varied legal experience and compassion.
She was described as well qualified for the job and an accomplished orator.
Listing her areas of expertise, including domestic violence, child exploitation and abuse, technological crime, sexual assault and high risk offenders, Johnson called her a "cracker jack prosecutor."
"Keep on being you and doing the things you do," he advised his successor.
John Luczak, director of Crown operations for the north region, said Weeks is appreciated for her hard work and dedication.
She cares deeply for the community, the Crown's office, her family and the administration of justice, he said.
"Being a Crown attorney is a tough job," requiring one to be the conscience of the community and "to speak for the vulnerable while respecting the rights of the accused," Luczak said.
Weeks told the crowd she was "almost speechless," something she said those who know her rarely occurs, by the turnout.
"I only hope I can live up to your expectations," she said, adding "I will certainly give my very best.
She thanked her parents, Larry and Margaret Weeks, calling them her foundation, and told her son Christopher Thompson how much she appreciated his love, support and understanding.
"You are the best thing that ever happened to me. You are an incredible young man."
Based in Sault Ste. Marie, the district Crown's office, which includes a number of assistant Crown attorneys, prosecutes cases across Algoma, an area stretching from Wawa to Elliot Lake.
Weeks joined the office in her hometown in 1994, after working in private practice in Toronto for a few years.
A 1986 graduate of Osgoode Hall, she was called to the bar in 1988.
She attended Korah Collegiate before earning her undergraduate degree at Algoma University.
Retired Crown attorney Bill Johnson passes his successor, Crown Attorney Kelly Weeks, a gift for her desk during Weeks' swearing in on Friday, April 22, 2016. Michael Purvis/SooToday