From the Department of Justice Canada
The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.
The Honourable Lisa A. Warren, a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, is appointed a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Warren replaces Justice R. Skolrood, who was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia effective October 11, 2024.
The Honourable Andrew P. Mayer, a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, is appointed a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Mayer replaces Justice S.A. Griffin, who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective December 13, 2024.
The Honourable C. Richard Hewson, a Judge of the Provincial Court of British Columbia in Vancouver, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Kelowna. Justice Hewson replaces Justice G. Weatherill (Kelowna), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective October 1, 2023.
The Honourable Lorianna Bennett, a Judge of the Provincial Court of British Columbia in Kamloops, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Kamloops. Justice Bennett replaces Justice S.A. Donegan (Kamloops), who was elevated to the Court of Appeal for British Columbia effective August 28, 2024.
John N. Walker, Senior General Counsel at the Public Prosecution Service of Canada in Vancouver, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Walker replaces Justice K.M. Ker (Vancouver), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective January 2, 2025.
Richard S. Fowler, K.C., Partner at Fowler and Blok Criminal Defence Lawyers in Vancouver, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Fowler replaces Justice N.P. Kent (Vancouver), who resigned effective February 3, 2025.
Mark G. Underhill, K.C., Partner at Arvay Finlay LLP in Vancouver, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Underhill replaces Justice E.D. Crossin (Vancouver), who retired effective February 19, 2025.