The Government of British Columbia has appointed two new judges to the Provincial Court, aiming to maintain consistent and timely access to justice across the province. The newly appointed judges, Michael Fortino and Michael Libby, will officially begin their roles on September 27, 2024.
Michael Fortino, who started his career as a criminal defence lawyer, has held various roles within the legal system, most recently serving as deputy regional Crown counsel in the Fraser region. Fortino’s experience includes working as Crown counsel specializing in major crimes, and he has been recognized for his mentorship and training of young lawyers. In 2022, he received a BC Prosecution Service award for his dedication to the development of junior lawyers and was a finalist for a Premier’s Excellence Award in the emerging leader category. Fortino also has a background with the Canadian Armed Forces, where he was a reservist from 2001 until 2023, mentoring staff involved in the administration of the cadet program.
Michael Libby, an experienced criminal and civil litigator, has a broad legal background that includes ad hoc Crown counsel, defence counsel, and corporate litigation. A partner at his law firm since 2010, Libby served as national managing partner from 2018 to 2022. His contributions to the legal field include co-authoring several law textbooks and serving as a volunteer program coordinator for the British Columbia Inns of Court, where he has mentored junior barristers for over 20 years. In recognition of his legal expertise, Libby was appointed King’s Counsel in 2023.
The appointment of these judges is part of the province’s broader strategy to ensure the judiciary reflects the diverse needs of the community while maintaining the capacity to provide fair and efficient justice.
