The new judge takes on a new position authorized under Bill C-74 (2018)
Sophie Leblanc has joined the Quebec Superior Court as a judge for the district of Gatineau, taking one of four new roles authorized under Bill C-74 (2018), an Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on February 27, 2018 and other measures, in Terrebonne.
The former Centre communautaire juridique de l'Outaouais counsel has mainly concentrated on practicing family law, labour law, civil law, and administrative law in her legal career. She spent seven years as Association des avocates et avocats en droit de la famille de l’Outaouais’s secretary-treasurer and was on the Outaouais Bar Social Committee.
Hailing from the Chaudière-Appalaches region, Leblanc obtained her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Ottawa in 1993; in 1994, she was called to the Quebec Bar.
She launched her private practice in 1994, which she ran until 1999. She then transitioned to a role with the Outaouais Community Legal Centre, logging a 14-year stint at the Buckingham office. She remained with the legal centre until her appointment to the judiciary.
Leblanc has appeared before the Quebec Superior Court, the Court of Quebec, and administrative tribunals. She has taught family law attorneys and conducted courses on topics like professional ethics.
She conducted pro bono training for non-profit organizations on behalf of Centraide Outaouais and has mentored both young lawyers and students. She has also sat on the boards on several community organizations.
The University of Ottawa’s Civil Law Section lauded Leblanc’s appointment, highlighting her status as one of its alumni.
“The Civil Law Section warmly congratulates Justice Leblanc on this prestigious appointment and wishes her every success in her new judicial duties,” the university wrote in a statement. “Throughout her career, she has distinguished herself by her commitment to access to justice, particularly in the Outaouais region.”
According to Justice Minister and Attorney General Arif Virani, the chief justice has moved Justice C. Therrien of Gatineau into the vacancy in Gatineau.
