In a recent announcement by The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, four new judicial appointments were made to the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Montréal.
The appointments are part of a process established in 2016, which emphasizes transparency, merit, and diversity, aiming to reflect the Canadian population in the judiciary.
Bernard Larocque, formerly a partner at Lavery, de Billy, LLP, has been appointed as a Judge of the Superior Court, replacing Justice S. Bourque. Larocque’s notable career includes specializations in civil litigation and extensive involvement in class action and liability litigation. His accolades include recognition as “Lawyer of the Year” in Professional Liability by Best Lawyers in Canada for the years 2022 and 2024.
Catherine Martel, previously a partner at Langlois Lawyers, LLP, will take the place of Justice P. Mayer. Martel brings a rich background in commercial litigation, constitutional law, and energy law, having appeared before all levels of Quebec courts and contributed significantly to the legal community through her involvement with the Canadian Bar Association.
Patrick Ferland, a founding partner at LCM Attorneys Inc., replaces Justice J-F. Michaud. Ferland, with a legal background enriched by international law and public and administrative law, has represented clients at all judicial levels in Canada. He has been a notable figure in academia, contributing to the Faculty of Law at McGill University and international legal discourse.
Luc Morin, who has transitioned from Managing Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, fills the position left by Justice Y. Poirier. Morin’s career has been marked by significant contributions to the field of commercial restructuring and insolvency, earning him various national and international recognitions.
Minister Virani expressed his confidence in the newly appointed justices, stating, “I wish Justices Larocque, Martel, Ferland, and Morin every success as they take on their new roles. I am confident they will serve Quebecers well as members of the Superior Court of Quebec.”
The biographies of the appointed justices reveal a blend of legal expertise and community involvement, highlighting their diverse backgrounds and achievements within the legal field and beyond. The appointments reflect the judiciary’s evolving landscape in Canada, aiming to meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity while serving the needs of a diverse populace.
