The Hon. Robert Walmsley

This extensive oral history captures Judge Robert Walmsley’s journey from a third-generation lawyer in rural Picton, Ontario, to becoming Associate Chief Judge of Ontario’s Provincial Court Family Division. Born in 1927 into a legal family, Walmsley articled with his father before joining the prominent Toronto firm Day, Wilson, Kelly, Martin and Morden in 1954. He returned to Picton as a partner in the family firm Walmsley & Walmsley, where he practiced general solicitor work until 1968.

Walmsley’s judicial career began in 1965 when he became Acting Family Court Judge, appointed by his father who was then serving part-time in that role. This informal appointment process contrasts sharply with today’s rigorous selection procedures. He became a full-time Provincial Court Judge in 1968 under the new Provincial Courts Act, serving three counties in Eastern Ontario. His rise through the judicial hierarchy included Senior Judge for the Eastern Region (1977) and Associate Chief Judge (1978-1990), working closely with Chief Judge Ted Andrews to develop judicial education programs and court administration.

The interview provides valuable insights into the evolution of family law, including the transition from the Juvenile Delinquents Act to the Young Offenders Act, the development of child protection legislation, and landmark Charter cases. Walmsley discusses several significant cases, including Sheena B. (blood transfusions and Jehovah’s Witnesses), custody disputes, and DNA paternity testing. His career spanned the transformation of provincial courts from informal, part-time arrangements to a sophisticated judicial system with extensive resources and training programs. After retirement in 1993, he continued as a per diem judge and became deeply involved in the judicial appointments process, reflecting on how accountability and transparency have improved the selection of judges.

This description was written by AI and may contain some inaccuracies.