His Honour Brigadier-General J.J. Grant, CMM, ONS, CD, (Ret’d), Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia is pleased to congratulate and welcome Justice Arthur J. LeBlanc on his appointment as Nova Scotia’s next Lieutenant Governor. 

Justice LeBlanc’s appointment as the Queen’s Representative in the province was announced today by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 

“It has been a great honour and privilege to represent the Queen in Nova Scotia,” said His Honour. “Mrs. Grant and I have many, many wonderful memories of meeting Nova Scotians all around this province.  We thank all Nova Scotians for their warmth and generosity of spirit that they have shown to us and we have no doubt this will be repeated for Justice and Mrs. LeBlanc.”

The date of the installation ceremony, where Justice LeBlanc will be sworn in as Nova Scotia’s 33^rd Lieutenant Governor since Confederation, has not yet been set.  

Biography of Justice The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc

Justice Arthur Joseph LeBlanc was born in West Arichat, Nova Scotia in 1943 and attended primary and secondary schools in that region. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and he earned a Bachelor of Laws Degree from Dalhousie University in 1968.  Following graduation, he was admitted to the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society in November 1968. 

Justice LeBlanc practiced law for over 30 years, initially as an associate of Vincent deP Burke and subsequently as senior partner of the law firm LeBlanc MacDonald and Pickup and this firm was later succeeded by LeBlanc MacDonald. He maintained a solicitor’s practice and subsequently concentrated his practice in civil litigation.  In 1983, Justice LeBlanc was appointed as Queen’s Counsel in recognition of his distinguished law career.

While practicing law, Justice LeBlanc served as a Director with several corporations and development authorities.  He was also active with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society and the Strait of Canso Barristers’ Society.

In 1998, he was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (General Division). Justice LeBlanc will remain a member of the bench until he is sworn in as Lieutenant Governor.

Justice LeBlanc is the recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal.

Justice LeBlanc is married to Rosemarie Patricia (Patsy) LeBlanc (nee Lirette), who was born in Beresford, New Brunswick.  Together, they have three grown sons, Pierre, André, and Robert.  They have six grandchildren.   

Justice and Mrs. LeBlanc are very interested in the performing arts, in particular young and emerging artists.  Mrs. LeBlanc is an active volunteer, having served on several boards and is currently volunteering for two health-related causes.