Chief Justice Leonard Marchand was sworn in as the chief justice for the Court of Appeal of Yukon on the afternoon of Dec. 14. The ceremony was presided over by Chief Justice Suzanne Duncan of the Supreme Court of Yukon, and Marchand appeared by video link.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Commissioner of Yukon Adeline Webber, Mayor Laura Cabott, judges, other Yukon-based legal professionals and members of the media. Deputy minister of Justice Mark Radke attended on behalf of Justice Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee.
In her remarks, Duncan hailed Marchand as “modest, gracious, unpretentious, and respectful.”
“I’ve observed he has a deep commitment to public service through his work in the justice system and to ensuring that the work of the courts is more accessible and understandable to litigants and those most affected by his processes and decisions,” Duncan said.
Duncan also noted that the ceremony was a historic occasion for several reasons, including because Marchand is the first chief justice of the Court of Appeal of Yukon with Indigenous heritage.
In his remarks to the courtroom, Marchand noted that he has a personal connection to the Yukon dating back to the turn of the millennium.
“In 1999, I received a call from a group of women in the Yukon looking for a First Nations lawyer to help them with the residential school claims. Lucky for me, they found me at my office in Kamloops. I can honestly say that that call began a chain of events that changed the trajectory of my life and made me a better person,” Marchand said before recounting how he spent the next 14 years travelling between Yukon communities.
“I was a member of the Yukon bar between 2006 and 2013. And I don’t mind telling you that one of my favourite museums anywhere in the world is the Beringia Interpretive Centre in Whitehorse,” he added.
Speaking about his understanding of the justice system, Marchand said he believes the justice system only exists to preserve what is good about our society and to improve “all that is not good.” He added that he acknowledges there is often a disconnect between the work of courts and the lives of the people the courts serve.
“I also recognize that real access to the courts remains a challenge for many, especially the structurally disadvantaged. I will always keep these issues top of mind,” Marchand said.
He said that he plans to spend time in the Yukon and will not make any significant changes to existing policies and practices anytime soon.
“When I come to the Yukon, don’t worry, it won’t be as a meddling southerner who thinks that he knows best,” Marchand said.
The cabinet and prime minister advise the ascension of new chief justices and associate chief justices, although the Governor General ultimately issues the appointment.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Marchand’s selection as the new chief justice of British Columbia and chief justice of the Court of Appeal of Yukon on Dec. 8.
“The Honourable Leonard Marchand is a highly respected member of British Columbia and Canada’s legal community. As he takes on his new role as chief justice of British Columbia and chief justice of the Court of Appeal of Yukon, I wish him continued success,” Trudeau said in a press release.
Trudeau added, “I know he brings a wealth of experience to the position and will continue to serve the people of British Columbia and the Yukon well.”
Marchand replaces Robert Bauman, who retired on Oct. 1 of this year, in the roles.
Raised in Kamloops, B.C., Marchand is Syilx and a member of the Okanagan Indian Band. He graduated from the University of Victoria’s law school in 1994 and worked at Fulton & Company LLP in Kamloops until 2013. He’s appeared before all levels of B.C. courts.
In 2017, Marchand was appointed to the Supreme Court of British Columbia, and in 2021, he was appointed to the Court of Appeal for British Columbia.
Throughout his career, Marchand has been heavily involved in advancing reconciliation for Indigenous peoples. He’s been involved in civil claims on behalf of residential school survivors and, in 2005, helped negotiate the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. He was also a signatory to the agreement.
Marchand also served on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission selection committee, among other posts.
When concluding his address during his swearing-in ceremony, he thanked everyone who has helped him throughout his life.
“I also want to extend a special thanks to chief justice Bauman for his 10 years of outstanding leadership as chief justice of the Court of Appeals of Yukon.”
Contact Matthew Bossons at matthew.bossons@yukon-news.com