From Department of Justice Canada
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, 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 Michael Brundrett, a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver, is appointed a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Brundrett replaces Justice P.M.E. Abrioux, who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective April 25, 2025.
The Honourable Amy D. Francis, a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver, is appointed a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia in Vancouver. Justice Francis replaces Justice L. Fenlon, who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective July 1, 2025.
The Honourable Gregory W. Koturbash, a Judge of the Provincial Court of British Columbia in Penticton, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Kelowna. Justice Koturbash replaces Justice D.A. Betton (Vernon), who resigned effective April 19, 2024. Due to internal court transfers by the Chief Justice, the vacancy is located in Kelowna.
Lorne D. Lachance, Deputy Supervising Counsel at the Ministry of the Attorney General of British Columbia in Vancouver, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in New Westminster. Justice Lachance replaces Justice S.C. Fitzpatrick (Vancouver), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective June 30, 2025. Due to internal court transfers by the Chief Justice, the vacancy is located in New Westminster.
Julie K. Gibson, Legal Counsel at the Ministry of the Attorney General of British Columbia in Victoria, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Victoria. Justice Gibson replaces Justice G.R.J. Gaul (Victoria), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective July 29, 2025.
Kate Saunders, K.C., Supervising Counsel for the Litigation Group at the Ministry of the Attorney General of British Columbia in Victoria, is appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Victoria. Justice Saunders replaces Justice B.M. Young (Victoria), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective October 18, 2025.