The Government of British Columbia is appointing a new provincial court judge to support the judiciary with the resources needed to continue to provide access to justice.

The new judge will be Clarke Burnett, whose appointment fills a vacancy at the Kelowna provincial court. Born in Vancouver, Burnett graduated from the University of British Columbia with a bachelor of laws in 1991 and joined Kelowna firm Pushor Mitchell as an associate the following year. His early practice focused on civil and personal injury litigation. In 1995, he expanded his practice to include both criminal defence and prosecution work as an agent for the federal Department of Justice, now called the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC). The majority of his current practice is criminal defence and prosecution work for the PPSC. Burnett’s appointment will take effect Feb. 25, 2019.

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 chief judge determines the locations to which judges are assigned in order to meet the needs of the court.
• The process to appoint judges involves the following steps:
  • Interested lawyers apply and the Judicial Council of B.C., a statutory body made up of the chief judge, an associate 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.
• Although judges are located in a judicial region, many travel regularly throughout the province to meet changing demands.

Learn More:

Information about the judicial appointment process: www.provincialcourt.bc.ca