BC Gov News

To support continued access to justice for British Columbians, the Province has appointed three new Provincial Court judges and one judicial justice.

Government and the public rely on judges and judicial justices 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.

The new appointments and effective dates are:

• Judge Jeremy Hermanson (May 4, 2023);
• Judge Jaqueline McQueen (May 5, 2023);
• Judge Nicholas Preovolos (May 8, 2023); and
• Judicial Justice Nicole Cederberg (effective on pronouncement).

Hermanson was called to the bar in 1998. For the past 10 years, his focus has been on serious offences, including sexual assaults, firearm offences and homicides.

McQueen was called to the bar in 1996. Since 2005, her focus has been on all aspects of family law, with an emphasis on resolving matters by alternative dispute resolution. She also has experience in civil litigation, construction and plaintiff personal injury.

Preovolos was called to the bar in 1996. Since 2004, he has been primarily focused on criminal defence and civil matters arising from criminal issues. He also has experience working as a securities and corporate commercial law solicitor.

Cederberg was called to the bar in 1989. She is longtime personal injury lawyer with experience in family law. She also has experience investigating, reporting and advising in difficult workplace situations, such as sexual harassment and racism allegations.

The Province is committed to promoting fair access to justice for all residents of British Columbia. These appointment decisions consider multiple factors, including the needs of the court, the diversity of the bench and the candidates’ areas of expertise.

Quick Facts:

• The process to appoint judges and judicial justices involves the following steps:
  • Interested candidates apply and the Judicial Council of B.C. reviews the applications.
  • The council is a statutory body made up of the chief judge, an associate chief judge, other judges, lawyers and members from outside the legal profession.
  • The council recommends potential appointments to the attorney general, with the final appointment made through a cabinet order-in-council.
• Although judges and judicial justices are located in a judicial region, many travel regularly throughout the province to meet changing demands.