What Is Canadas Queens Counsel

In Canada, the honorary title of Queens Counsel, or QC, is used to recognize Canadian lawyers for exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession. Queens Counsel appointments are formally made by the provincial Lieutenant-Governor from members of the bar of the relevant province, on the recommendation of the provincial Attorney General. Across the Provinces The practice of making Queens Counsel appointments is not consistent across Canada, and the eligibility criteria vary. Reforms have attempted to depoliticize the award, making it a recognition of merit and community service. Committees composed of representatives of the bench and the bar screen candidates and advise the relevant Attorney General on appointments. Nationally, the Canadian government  discontinued federal Queens Counsel appointments in 1993, but resumed  the practice  in 2013.  Quebec stopped making Queens Counsel appointments in 1976, as did Ontario in 1985 and Manitoba in 2001. QC in British Columbia Queens Counsel remains a position of honor in British Columbia. Under the Queens Counsel Act, appointments are made annually by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Attorney General. Nominations are sent to the Attorney General from the judiciary, the Law Society of B.C., the B.C. Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, and the Trial Lawyers Association. Nominees must be members of the British Columbia bar for at least five years. Applications are reviewed by the B.C. Queens Counsel Advisory Committee. The committee includes the Chief Justices of British Columbia, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, the Chief Judge of the Provincial Court, two members of the Law Society appointed by the benchers, the President of the Canadian Bar Association, B.C. Branch, and the Deputy Attorney General.