The B.C. government is appointing a new judge to the British Columbia Provincial Court in Kamloops to ensure that the court is equipped to manage caseload pressures and access to justice, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton announced today.

The appointment of Kamloops' newest judge, Leonard Marchand, is effective Sept. 3, 2013. He replaces a judge who was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

Government and the public rely on judges for their integrity and impartiality and trust they will deliver fair, learned decisions. These qualities are essential for maintaining the public's confidence in the courts and are a vital component of any democratic justice system.

Under B.C.'s new Justice Reform and Transparency Act, government has committed to working with the Chief Judge to develop a formula for determining the appropriate judicial complement for the Provincial Court.

While this work is underway, government will continue to discuss judicial appointments with the Chief Judge and make appointments, as appropriate, to address matters such as judicial vacancies and case backlog. The Province also is working with the Chief Judge to develop and implement measures to increase court efficiencies and help avoid court delays.

Government is maintaining its investment of critical resources in the justice system. The total cost to support one Provincial Court judge is about $1.4 million annually, including the judge's salary and costs for court administration staff, sheriffs, prosecution services and judicial support.

Quote:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton -

"We are very happy to appoint Leonard Marchand to the bench. The position of provincial court judge is one of great honour and responsibility. Mr. Marchand's appointment supports our continued focus on increasing access to justice and clearing the backlogs in our courts. I am confident his expertise in civil and criminal law, and exceptional work on Aboriginal issues, will serve the taxpayers and the justice system well."

Quick Facts:

• The process to appoint judges involves several steps:

• Interested lawyers apply and the B.C. Judicial Council, a committee made up of the Chief Judge, other judges, lawyers and lay people, reviews the candidates.

• The council recommends potential judges to the Attorney General, with the final appointment made through a cabinet order-in-council.

Learn More:

More information about the judicial appointment process can be found at: www.provincialcourt.bc.ca.

Information about B.C.'s justice reform initiative can be found at: http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/justice-reform-initiatives/

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Lori DeLuca
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 953-3196

BACKGROUNDER

Leonard Marchand biography

Leonard Marchand was called to the bar in 1995 and has been practising law for 15 years. He is experienced in both civil and criminal law, with a primary focus on civil law for the past 12 years.

Marchand has represented individuals, corporations and public authorities before all levels of court. Most recently his practice has focused exclusively on residential school claims.

Marchand obtained a bachelor of applied science degree in chemical engineering from the University of British Columbia in 1986 and later completed his bachelor of laws from the University of Victoria in 1994. He began working as an articled student with Fulton and Company in 1994, and over his career has worked up to partner.

Outside of his legal practice, Marchand was selected to serve on the Selection Committee assembled by the Honourable Frank lacobucci to make recommendations on appointments to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and represented B.C. counsel on Canada's Plaintiffs' Counsel Advisory Network, in which he worked to enhance the resolution of Indian Residential School claims. Marchand also served for several years on the Chief Adjudicator's Reference Group, which assisted in overseeing Canada's alternative dispute resolution process.

Contact:

Lori DeLuca
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 953-3196