Leonard Marchand named new chief justice of British Columbia

Leonard Marchand has been appointed as the new chief justice of the BC and Yukon Courts of Appeal in what the BC attorney general calls "a historic appointment."

Marchand is from the Syilx Okanagan Nation and is the first Indigenous person to be appointed as chief justice in the province.

Marchand was appointed to the role Friday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

BC Attorney General Niki Sharma says Marchand has consistently demonstrated a commitment to upholding the principles of "fairness, integrity and the rule of law."

Prior to his appointment, Marchand was a judge of the Provincial Court of BC from 2013 to 2017 and in 2021 was appointed to the BC Court of Appeal.

He replaces former BC chief justice Robert J. Bauman, who retired in October.

"As a judge and justice, Chief Justice Marchand is widely respected for his exceptional judgment, compassion and modesty." @CBA_BC https://t.co/Uv0AdTZZeF

— BC Provincial Court (@BCProvCourt) December 9, 2023