Arthur LeBlanc


Arthur Joseph LeBlanc is a Canadian lawyer and judge who was the 33rd lieutenant governor of Nova Scotia from 2017 to 2024. He was appointed as the Chancellor of Université Sainte-Anne in September 2025.

Early life and education

Arthur LeBlanc was born in 1943 in West Arichat, Nova Scotia. He attended St. Francis Xavier University, graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor of Commerce, subsequently earning a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University in 1968. He was admitted to the bar in November 1968.

Career

Legal career

LeBlanc practiced law for over 30 years, concentrating his practice in civil litigation. In 1983, LeBlanc was appointed as Queen's Counsel. In 1998, he was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia on the advice of Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. During this time, he concluded almost 15 years of litigation between the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children and the provincial government, signing off on a 29 million settlement for the former residents of the home.

Lieutenant governor

LeBlanc was appointed Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia on June 14, 2017, by Governor General David Johnston on the constitutional advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He was sworn in on June 28, 2017. He was Nova Scotia's first Lieutenant Governor of Acadian descent.

Université Sainte-Anne

In September 2025, LeBlanc was named the Chancellor of Université Sainte-Anne, succeeding Noël Després.

Personal life

LeBlanc is married to his wife, Rosemarie Patricia LeBlanc. Together they had three sons: Pierre, André, and Robert.

Awards and honours

RibbonDescriptionPost-nominal lettersNotes
Knight/Dame of the Order of St. JohnKStJ
Order of Nova ScotiaONS
Queen [Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal]Canadian version
Queen [Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal]Nova Scotia version
King Charles III Coronation MedalCanadian version