Sandra Harper has been appointed master of the Supreme Court of British Columbia and will take her seat in Vancouver, effective Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014.

A master presides in civil chambers and registrar hearings and makes decisions about pre-trial motions and procedural orders. Section 11 of the Supreme Court Act allows the lieutenant-governor, on the recommendation of the attorney general, who consults with the chief justice, to appoint one or more masters of the court.

Ms. Harper is counsel at Harper and Company in Victoria. She received a law degree at the University of Victoria and has been practising in this province for over 30 years. Her career has focused on civil litigation, personal injury litigation, government liability, family law and administrative law.

Ms. Harper continues to give back to her community as a board member for the Victoria Foundation and volunteer for the University of Victoria law school moot court.

The process for the appointment of a master involves several steps. Applications are solicited and reviewed by an ad hoc committee consisting of the deputy attorney general, chief justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, president of the Law Society of British Columbia and the president of the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. branch (or their delegates).

The ad hoc committee then provides a short list of recommendations to the attorney general. The chief justice is consulted before the attorney general makes a recommendation to cabinet. The final appointment is made through a cabinet order-in-council.

Media Contacts:

Richelle Funk
Ministry of Justice
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 387-6708