REGINA — Tuesday, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced new legislation, The King's Bench Amendment Act, 2026, to create a new classification of judges in the Court of King's Bench for Saskatchewan.
"We have been working with government to add associate judges to the Court of King's Bench for some time now, and I am excited for the impact this will have on our ability to address the increasing workload of the Court," the Honourable Chief Justice M.D. Popescul said. "I applaud the government for bringing forward this important legislation and for making this investment into the Court of King's Bench."
Once brought into force later this year, this legislation will allow government to work with the Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench to appoint an initial roster of four associate judges, states a release issued by the government. Associate judges will be responsible for handling certain civil matters and family matters as assigned by the Chief Justice, improving the ability of Court of King's Bench justices to handle pressing criminal matters and other complex cases.
"This legislation will help address the higher caseloads we are seeing in our courts, increase capacity at the Court of King's Bench, and improve access to justice for the people of Saskatchewan," Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod, K.C., said. "Saskatchewan is known for attracting incredibly skilled judges, and we look forward to working with the Court of King's Bench to implement this legislation and get to work filling these positions."
Once appointed, the term of office for a Court of King's Bench associate judge will last until the age of 70.
The act also establishes a compensation commission and complaint review council, which will follow similar rules and procedures as those that already exist in Saskatchewan courts, states the release.
The implementation of a supportive tier of associate judges in the Saskatchewan Court of King's Bench is a significant step in modernizing the court in Saskatchewan and brings the province into alignment with how similar courts are structured in other Canadian provinces, says the government.
