Brian Bowman, the former Mayor of Winnipeg, has embarked on a new chapter in his career, transitioning from political leadership to the judiciary as he was recently sworn in as a Justice on the Court of King’s Bench.
Bowman, who had not initially considered a judicial role, was inspired by conversations with former Manitoba Chief Justice Richard Chartier and other judges, leading him to view this opportunity as a way to utilize his legal expertise and understanding of the community in a new realm.
Before his tenure as mayor, Bowman had a significant legal career spanning over a decade, focusing on areas such as privacy, access to information, and social media law.
Former Mayor Bowman (Credits: Global News)
His election as Winnipeg’s first Indigenous mayor in 2014 marked a historic milestone, reflecting his commitment to diversity and inclusion within the community.
Bowman, a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation, emphasized the importance of Indigenous representation within the judiciary, noting his pride in joining a bench that already includes Indigenous and Métis judges.
After serving two terms as mayor and announcing his decision not to seek a third term in late 2020, Bowman took a position at Canada Life, focusing on sustainability and social impact, before his appointment to the Court of King’s Bench.
In his new judicial role, Bowman has pledged to continue advocating for reconciliation and human rights, aiming to contribute positively to the law and serve the community with renewed dedication.
