New Provincial Court Judge Appointed for Prince George as B.C. Expands Justice Access

The B.C. government has appointed two new Provincial Court judges, including one assigned to Prince George, in a move the province says is intended to strengthen access to justice in northern B.C. and the Lower Mainland.

The appointments, announced Friday, June 12, include Matthew Stacey and Jason LeBlond, KC. Both appointments take effect July 13, 2026.

LeBlond will be assigned to the Northern region with chambers in Prince George, while Stacey will be assigned to Port Coquitlam, serving communities including Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

For northern B.C., the appointment of LeBlond is significant because Prince George serves as a major justice centre for the region. Court access in northern communities often involves long travel distances, limited local resources and the need for judges who understand the realities of serving remote and regional populations.

LeBlond brings more than 26 years of legal experience to the bench. His background is primarily in criminal defence, along with experience in family law, youth matters, child protection and civil forfeiture. He has appeared at all levels of court in British Columbia and at the Supreme Court of Canada.

The Provincial Court of B.C. said LeBlond has also worked on committees supporting both the Provincial Court and Supreme Court, while helping mentor younger lawyers in northern B.C. He has also worked closely with Indigenous Peoples in the Prince George area.

In 2023, LeBlond was appointed King’s Counsel, a designation recognizing exceptional contributions to the legal profession in British Columbia.

Stacey, who will serve the Fraser region from Port Coquitlam, has more than 20 years of legal experience. He has worked as Crown counsel with the BC Prosecution Service since 2007 and has held leadership roles involving major crime and regional Crown operations in Surrey.

The province said the appointments are part of its effort to maintain court capacity, address vacancies and ensure the justice system has enough judicial resources to meet public demand.

According to the B.C. government, Stacey and LeBlond are the 10th and 11th judicial appointments made since December 2025.

Judicial appointments in British Columbia follow a multi-step process. Lawyers apply to the Judicial Council of B.C., which reviews candidates and recommends potential judges to the Attorney General. Final appointments are made through a cabinet order-in-council.

Although judges are assigned to specific judicial regions, the province noted that judges may also use technology such as videoconferencing and regularly travel throughout B.C. to support court operations where needed.

For northern B.C. residents, the Prince George appointment is expected to support court operations across the region and help improve timely access to justice.