Judges and judicial justices in British Columbia are appointed based on merit. The Lieutenant Governor in Council appoints Provincial Court judges and judicial justices on the recommendation of the Judicial Council of BC following a merit-based process. BC Provincial Court judges must have practised law in Canada for at least ten years before being appointed. Judicial justices must have practised law in Canada for at least five years.
The Judicial Council of BC consists of nine members, including members of the public, lawyers and judges, with responsibility for improving the quality of services provided by the Provincial Court’s judges and judicial justices. They also interview applicants and recommend those who are qualified.
The Provincial Court Act sets out the process the Chief Judge or their delegate must follow when a complaint about judicial conduct is received. There are three possible stages: examination, investigation and inquiry. The Office of the Chief Judge examines complaints. If the matter proceeds to inquiry, Judicial Council can conduct the inquiry.
Judges and judicial justices engage in ongoing judicial education throughout their careers to keep up to date on the law and remain sensitive to the social and cultural context of the communities they work in.