British Columbia has appointed three new Provincial Court judges and one judicial justice, effective Jan. 2, 2024.
The newly appointed judges, Tyleen Underwood, Mark Erina, and Daniel Loucks, bring a wealth of experience to the bench. Underwood, who has been practicing since 2002, boasts an extensive background in both criminal law and family law. She is particularly noted for her deep connections and substantial court experience in the West Kootenays.
Mark Erina, a member of the British Columbia Bar since 1996, has spent the last decade as the senior counsel and team leader for the Public Prosecutions Service of Canada’s economic crime group. His expertise in criminal law extends beyond the courtroom, as he has also contributed to legal education as an instructor in legal writing at the Federal Prosecutors School.
Daniel Loucks, practicing law since 2003, initially worked as a defence counsel in Ontario before moving to British Columbia in 2006. Since then, he has served as Crown counsel with the BC Prosecution Service, bringing a diverse perspective to the judiciary.
In addition to these judges, Judy Riddle has been named as a judicial justice. Riddle, a member of the British Columbia Bar since 1990, recently retired from the BC Prosecution Service in September 2023. Her extensive experience, particularly in the initial stages of the prosecution process, including charge assessments and bail hearings, is expected to be an invaluable asset to the judicial system.
The Province emphasizes that although these judicial officers are assigned to specific regions, they will leverage technology, such as videoconferencing, and travel throughout the province to adapt to the changing demands of the judicial system. This approach aims to maintain the high standards of the legal process while catering to the evolving needs of the communities they serve.
