Bill 56 (The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2026)
Second Reading

From Hansard (22 April 2026)

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Hon. Tim McLeod: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to offer remarks on second reading of Bill 56, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2026. Mr. Speaker, the Court of King’s Bench has seen significant increases in caseload volume in recent years. This growth is an anticipated side effect of a growing population and an effective justice system.

Mr. Speaker, the primary purpose of this bill is to support the growth and efficacy with the creation of a new category of judges called associate judges. Associate judges are provincially appointed judges to the Court of King’s Bench that will be responsible for certain civil and family law matters. They will complement the work of the federally appointed judges with the goal of improving case flow and court efficiency.

This bill establishes the jurisdiction of associate judges and sets out the processes for their appointment, compensation, and oversight. The Chief Justice of the Court of King’s Bench will direct the sitting locations and duties of the associate judges, allowing the court to allocate its resources where they are most needed.

Mr. Speaker, the secondary purpose of this bill is an amendment to the regulatory powers and provisions to allow for the designation of beneficiaries under registered plans that are not included in The King’s Bench Act. This will address a legislative gap that exists when new registered plans are created.

Mr. Speaker, this bill was developed in consultation with the Court of King’s Bench, and we thank them sincerely for their time, their expertise, and their collaboration. This bill will support the government’s budget commitment to appoint four new associate judges to the Court of King’s Bench in Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to move second reading of The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2026, bilingual.

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