Lawyer Brenda Edwards to chair BC Review Board

Brenda Lee Edwards – a senior lawyer, retired judicial justice of the B.C. Provincial Court, administrative law adjudicator, public sector leader, and educator – will serve a three-year term as chairperson of the B.C. Review Board.

Brenda Lee Edwards – a senior lawyer, retired judicial justice of the B.C. Provincial Court, administrative law adjudicator, public sector leader, and educator – will serve a three-year term as chairperson of the B.C. Review Board.

Since January 2018, she has served as a member and alternate chairperson of the review board, an independent tribunal established by s. 672.38(1) of the Criminal Code.

The tribunal has jurisdiction over hearings to make and review orders for accused individuals whom the courts have declared not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder or unfit to stand trial. The tribunal should consider public safety, the accused person’s mental condition, reintegration into society, and other needs.

Her appointment followed a merit-based recruitment process. “Throughout her career, she has worked extensively on equality issues, women’s issues, and the intersections of the mental health, addictions, and criminal-justice fields,” said the B.C. government in a news release.

Edwards has been panel chairperson and has decided on reviews and appeals before the province’s Health Professions Review Board, Environmental Appeal Board, Oil and Gas Appeal Tribunal, and Forest Appeals Commission.