@paulbusch@mstdn.ca2026-01-15 12:51:55
Good Morning #Canada
Supreme Court Justice Sheilah Martin announced her retirement effective May 30th, opening up a vacancy on bench. It's a good time to review the process on how a Canadian #SupremeCourt Justice is chosen, and why we mostly avoid controversy and politicalization of the process. Mostly...
Supreme Court judges are shortlisted by an independent advisory board process, emphasizing candidates who are highly skilled, functionally bilingual, a judge of 10 years on their regional court system, and specific regional representation (3 from Quebec, 3 from Ontario, 2 from West and North, 1 from Atlantic). The PM then recommends 1 of the candidates to the Governor-in-Council for formal appointment.
The new process and legislation was introduced by PM Martin in 2004 and PM Harper attempted to ignore it (surprise). PM Trudeau strengthened the process in 2016 but also tried to alter it for Quebec. But mostly little controversy.
#CanadaIsAwesome #CanPoli
https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/general/scc-justice-sheilah-martin-to-retire-opening-up-vacancy-for-new-western-or-northern-canada-appointee/393573
