Chief Judge Melissa Gillespie has announced the appointment of two new judges.

It is my great pleasure and privilege to announce that the Lieutenant Governor in Council has signed Orders in Council appointing two judges to the Provincial Court. The new judge appointments are Matthew Stacey and Jason LeBlond.

Judge Stacey  

Judge Stacey will be sworn in on July 13, 2026. He will be assigned to the Fraser region with chambers in Port Coquitlam. 

Called to the BC bar in 2004, Judge Stacey commenced his legal career as a tax lawyer before becoming Crown counsel in 2007. Judge Stacey is a leader in the BCPS where he served as one of the Deputy Regional Crown in the Fraser region situated in Surrey. His legal skills are described as exceptional. He is a mentor to junior lawyers and is frequently contacted by counsel to discuss ethical issues and complex legal trial issues. Over the years, he has prosecuted all manner of criminal cases, including complex murder files and sexual assault cases.  

Judge LeBlond 

Judge LeBlond will be sworn in on July 13, 2026. He will be assigned to the Northern region with chambers in Prince George. 

Judge LeBlond’s background in criminal law, family law, youth, and child protection work makes him an ideal judge for the north. He has appeared in all levels of court in the province and at the Supreme Court of Canada. He works on a number of committees that support the work of the Provincial and Supreme Court, and the development and mentorship of young lawyers in the north of the province. For many years, he has been the senior partner at a Law Chambers in Prince George, overseeing the hiring of students, lawyers, and support staff. He is a trusted advisor to many lawyers in the province on practice and personal issues. His efficiency, decisiveness, leadership skills, and humanity will serve the public well. In 2023, Judge LeBlond was appointed King’s Counsel in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the legal profession in British Columbia.