Definition: In Canada, the honorary title of Queen's Counsel or QC is used to recognize Canadian lawyers for exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession.
Appointments as Queen's Counsel are formally made by the provincial Lieutenant-Governor from members of the bar of the relevant province, on the recommendation of the provincial Attorney General.
The practice of making Queen's Counsel appointments in not consistent across Canada, and the eligibility criteria vary. For example, Quebec stopped making Queen's Counsel appointments in 1976, and Ontario stopped the practice in 1985.
The federal government discontinued federal Queen's Counsel appointments in 1993.
Also Known As: King's Counsel or KC when the monarch is a king.
