US EditionAlberta seeks more input on picking judges, may withhold funding
Alberta demands a special advisory committee for judicial appointments and links funding for new judges to federal collaboration to ensure representation of provincial legal traditions.
- Seeking a formal role, Alberta requested consultation on judicial appointments in a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney more than a week ago, saying reform is needed.
- Using budget leverage, Alberta signalled it will withhold funding for judicial positions unless Ottawa engages, Smith wrote in a Jan. 23 letter.
- As part of reforms, Alberta wants a proposed committee half Alberta appointees to assess candidates and urges Prime Minister Mark Carney to relax bilingualism requirements for federal appointees.
- The provincial government argues that Premier Danielle Smith and Mickey Amery in Edmonton believe a formal role would strengthen Alberta public confidence and promote national unity.
- Framed as a confidence-building measure, Alberta argues collaboration would help ensure appointments appropriately reflect Alberta's distinct legal traditions, The Canadian Press reported Feb. 3, 2026.
32 Articles
32 Articles
While there are vacancies in the Court of King's Bench, Alberta intends not to fund them without reform of the appointment process.
Alberta Premier Smith Says Province Won’t Fund Appointment of New Judges Unless Ottawa Allows More Input on Selection
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says the province will not provide funding for new judicial appointments unless Ottawa allows Alberta more input and influence over who is chosen for provincial courts and the Supreme Court of Canada. Smith announced the planned withholding of funding in a Jan. 23 letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and reiterated the province’s position in a Feb. 3 news release. The letter calls for Alberta to be consulted on fut…
Alberta premier says province will withhold funding for judges without more input on selection
Premier Danielle Smith says her government will withhold funding to support new judicial appointments in Alberta if the federal government doesn't give the province more input on who is picked.
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Smith says Alberta will withhold funding for judges without more input on selection
Premier Danielle Smith says her government will withhold funding for new judicial appointments in Alberta if the federal government doesn't give the province a say on who is picked.
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