The Saskatchewan government has added a new tier of associate judges to the Court of King’s Bench, a change effective Oct. 1 that officials say will help speed up civil and family case resolution across the province, including for Saskatchewan-side Lloydminster residents.
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New legislation creates associate judge roles
The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2026 came into force Oct. 1, establishing associate judges within the Court of King’s Bench and increasing the court’s capacity to handle civil and family matters, according to a provincial government release.
“We are very pleased to welcome Saskatchewan’s first associate judges,” Chief Justice M.D. Popescul said. “This is an important step in the ongoing modernization of our courts and will help support access to justice and the timely resolution of matters in a busy and increasingly complex court system.”
Associate judges are appointed by the provincial government based on recommendations from the Chief Justice of the Court of King’s Bench, the release states. The province first signalled the change was coming in an earlier announcement in April outlining plans to create the new positions.
Who was appointed to the new roles
An initial roster of five associate judges has been appointed effective Oct. 1, according to the province. The appointees are Louis Browne, K.C., of Regina; Darcia Connelly of Regina; Rani Grewall of Regina; and Cynthia Yelland of Saskatoon.
Alexander Shalashniy, the province’s Registrar in Bankruptcy based in Regina, has also been appointed an associate judge to provide appropriate judicial independence and authority for that role, the province said.
All appointees have been members in good standing of a Canadian bar for at least 10 years, officials said. The Act also establishes a compensation commission and complaint review council that will follow procedures similar to those already in place in Saskatchewan courts.
What it means for Saskatchewan-side residents
Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod, K.C., said the change is intended to help the court system keep pace with growing demand.
“The appointment of Saskatchewan’s first associate judges marks an important milestone for our justice system,” McLeod said. “These experienced legal professionals will help increase the Court of King’s Bench’s capacity to manage civil and family matters, allowing the court to respond more effectively to growing demands while supporting timely access to justice for Saskatchewan residents.”
Civil and family matters filed through the Saskatchewan side of the border region, including those originating in Lloydminster, fall under the Court of King’s Bench and could see faster processing as a result of the added judicial capacity.
The province said the move brings Saskatchewan into alignment with how similar courts are structured in other provinces, following a pattern of court system updates seen elsewhere, including recent judicial appointments to provincial courts.
Residents with questions about civil or family filings can contact their local Court of King’s Bench registry or legal counsel for information on how the change may affect scheduling of their matter.
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