THE IBA CELEBRATES THE FIRST INDIGENOUS CHIEF JUSTICE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Ottawa, ONT – Please join the Indigenous Bar Association in Canada (the “IBA”) in congratulating the Honourable Leonard Marchand on his appointment as Chief Justice of the British Columbia and the Court of Appeal of Yukon. Chief Justice Marchand is Syilx, a member of the Okanagan Indian Band, and is the first ever Indigenous Chief Justice in British Columbia’s history.
Chief Justice Marchand brings an incredible wealth of knowledge, leadership, and a steadfast dedication to achieving reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples to his new role. His dedication includes previous work advancing the civil claims of residential school survivors, involvement in negotiating the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, participation on the Oversight Committee for the Independent Assessment Process, and ultimately serving on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Selection Committee.
The IBA has long advocated for increased representation of Indigenous voices at all levels of court and affirms its stance that part of Canada’s ongoing work towards true reconciliation includes ensuring every candidate for the judiciary is fully aware of the necessary systemic changes required to ensure a fair justice system for Indigenous peoples. By ensuring more Indigenous voices on the bench we empower the judiciary to see the full scope of the work ahead needed to achieve the best legal solutions to complex problems.
In Canadian legal institutions, Chief Justices are responsible for the leadership and administration of their courts. They also serve as members of the Canadian Judicial Council. The leadership, knowledge, and experience Chief Justice Marchand brings to his new role are sure to benefit all British Columbians, the Yukon, and all Canadians. IBA President Drew Lafond offered the following words in support of Chief Justice Marchand’s appointment: “I extend heartfelt congratulations to Chief Justice Marchand on his well-deserved appointment. Chief Justice Marchand has long maintained a sterling reputation as a brilliant legal mind and a fair and meticulous jurist. His unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and public service has not only earned him this prestigious appointment but also exemplifies the values that the IBA holds dear. The IBA and its members are elated to join Chief Justice Marchand in celebrating this momentous occasion.”
The IBA extends our deepest congratulations to Chief Justice Marchand on this momentous and well-earned appointment. He continues to break a trail for, and be an inspiration to, Indigenous lawyers, jurists, and law students.
The IBA is a national association comprised of Indigenous lawyers (practicing and non-practicing), legal academics and scholars, articling clerks and law students, including graduate and post-graduate law students. We are mandated to promote the advancement of legal and social justice of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and the reform of laws and policies affecting Indigenous Peoples.