Sandra Cunningham (KC)
Last updated on May 9, 2023
"What I have enjoyed most about working for the BC Public Service is the privilege and honour of working for and with members of the public who found themselves involved in the criminal justice system."
Sandra Cunningham, K.C., received the Legacy Premier’s Award in 2016 and was inducted into the Hall of Excellence the same year. At that time, she had been a prosecutor for over 38 years and a highly regarded leader within the Criminal Justice Branch.
Advocacy is a passion for Sandra. During her career, she took several courses in advocacy and adult education on her own time to better understand teaching methodologies and to develop an effective approach for her own program delivery. She then brought this learning to her work environment and shared the benefits with her public service colleagues, as well as external stakeholders and other system participants. Sandra volunteered countless hours and demonstrated immeasurable energy each year, training people outside of the Criminal Justice Branch.
More than 15 years before receiving her Premier’s Award, Sandra developed advocacy training programs specific to Crown Counsel which greatly enhanced the quality of prosecution work done on behalf of B.C.’s Prosecution Service. She continued to lead these programs, sharing her expertise and contributing in a fundamental way to the development of a robust knowledge base and skill set for Crown Counsel to maximize on behalf of the public. This training continues to be a mainstay of the professional development program for B.C.’s Prosecution Service.
There is no doubt that Sandra is an outstanding advocate, exceptional mentor and teacher to other lawyers, both internal and external to government. Additionally, it cannot be forgotten that first and foremost, Sandra is an outstanding prosecutor. She has prosecuted countless difficult and serious cases, including working as co-counsel on the prosecution against serial killer Clifford Olson.
Sandra is no stranger to accolades. Her work has been recognized by the likes of the Vancouver Police Department. In 2005, she was awarded a Queen’s Counsel designation by the provincial Attorney General. She is greatly respected by the Judiciary, other counsel, police officers, court staff, witnesses and victims.
Sandra is an extraordinary role model for other justice system participants and she exemplifies the very best that the BC Public Service has to offer.
