Judge Michel Chartier does 'honourable thing,' resigns after drunk driving charge

Judge Michel Chartier has stepped down from the Provincial Court of Manitoba.

Chartierwas charged with drunk driving on the weekend.

AnRCMPspokesperson saidChartierwas stopped on Highway 1 about five kilometres west of Highway 5 in the R.M. of North Cypress at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

• Winnipeg judge Michel Chartier charged with drunk driving

"Public confidence in and respect for the judiciary are essential to an effective justice system. Therefore, while the resignation of Michel Chartier from the court is regrettable, by having resigned today, he has done the honourable thing, recognizing that the charges brought against him would significantly undermine public confidence in the judiciary," said astatement written on behalf of Chief Judge Champagne.

MADD Canada had expressed disappointment a judge was charged withdriving under the influence.

Chartier was appointed a Judge of the Provincial Court in 2007 and Associate Chief Judge from 2009 to 2013.

Hehasbeen on administrative leave since the incident. Hewasreleased on a promise to appear in a Brandon courtroom later this month.