The B.C. government is appointing two new Provincial Court judges, to ensure that the court is able to continue to address caseload pressures and improve access to justice, Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton announced today.

In addressing recent retirements and vacancies, the appointments of Judge Richard Browning and Judge Barbara Flewelling are effective Oct. 31, 2014, and Dec. 5, 2014, respectively.

Judge Browning and Judge Flewelling will each be assigned to a location determined by the chief judge to meet the needs of the court.

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.

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 committee 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: www.ag.gov.bc.ca/justice-reform-initiatives/

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contacts:

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

BACKGROUNDER

Provincial Court judge biographies

Judge Richard Browning - Judge Richard Browning was first called to the bar in 1990 after earning his law degree from the University of British Columbia in 1989. Judge Browning has worked as a sole practitioner for the past 22 years. For most of his career, he has practised in the Provincial Court system and has served as both counsel for the defence and Crown counsel. Judge Browning has been a member of the Provincial Court Scheduling Project Working Group, a director of the Justice Education Society and is the former chair of the B.C. branch of the Canadian Bar Association. Outside of his legal career, Judge Browning has coached soccer and lacrosse in New Westminster and served on the board of the Fraser Burrard Restorative Justice Society.

Judge Barbara Flewelling - Judge Barbara Flewelling has been a practicing lawyer for the past 19 years. Before she was called to the bar in 1995, Judge Flewelling had a 15-year career in the insurance industry. She has recently served as a committee chair for the B.C. branch of the Canadian Bar Association and was previously on the board of governors of the Trial Lawyers Association of B.C. Over the course of her law career, Judge Flewelling has been an advocate for improved relationships between lawyers and judges, and was instrumental in organizing seminars promoting healthy living for lawyers. Outside of her professional life, she helped with the organization of performances by the Welsh Men’s Choir, the Courtenay Chamber Music Society and the Prince George Symphony.

Media Contacts:

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