eNews: Judges
For the last forty years, a select group of judges and magistrates has met for dinner each year "to honour those who have served the citizens of Vancouver as magistrates and judges in the criminal courts". The tradition was begun in 1979 by Judge Wallace Craig (retired), who had a high regard for the magistrates and judges who preceded him.
Retired Provincial Court judge Ernie Quantz was honoured during Mental Health Week 2019 for his work to support people with mental health and substance use challenges.
In the May 27, 2019 edition of Canadian Lawyer Magazine, columnist Bill Trudell describes how moving he found the swearing-in ceremony of two judges in Ontario. Although BC Provincial Court judges are sworn in at the Office of the Chief Judge shortly after their appointment, they are welcomed to the Court in public ceremonies that have a similar impact – as this tweet shows:
For the past 20 years the Provincial Court of BC has been a strong champion of a unique workshop offering lawyers honest, personalized feedback on their courtroom work from judges and senior counsel. In July, BC lawyers will once again have the chance to practise their skills on their feet in a real courtroom and improve them with guidance from experienced colleagues and judges.
Updated March 2023
The Canadian Judicial Council wants to hear it! The Canadian Judicial Council is a federal body with a mandate to improve the quality of judicial service in the superior courts of Canada. It is also responsible for reviewing complaints or allegations about federally appointed judges.