US EditionFour premiers ask for greater say in superior, appeal court judge appointments
Premiers of Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Alberta seek provincial approval of candidates for key court appointments to reflect regional diversity, citing international examples.
- On Tuesday, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, and Quebec Premier François Legault wrote to Prime Minister Mark Carney requesting authority to recommend and approve candidates for federal judicial appointments to superior and appeal courts.
- The premiers argue that adopting international models from countries like the U.S. and Germany would ensure appointments 'appropriately reflect the diversity and the unique needs of each province and territory,' according to their letter.
- Justice Minister Sean Fraser rejected the proposal on Tuesday, stating the federal government is not considering a 'sea change' in judicial appointments and that the current advisory committee process is functioning well.
- The request follows earlier threats from Smith to withhold court funding if Alberta did not receive more influence, signaling potential for a federal-provincial standoff over judicial appointments.
- Contrasting with Fraser's stance, Industry Minister Mélanie Joly suggested the proposal warrants consideration, stating 'we should be open to it' to showcase collaborative federalism and ensure Canadians win across the country.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Other Premiers Join Alberta’s Smith in Seeking Greater Say in Judicial Appointments by Ottawa
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has been joined by the premiers of Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Quebec in calling for a “substantive role” in the selection of judges across different levels of courts in their provinces, as well as for the Supreme Court. The four premiers sent a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney on March 23 requesting reform in judicial appointments. “We are calling for a new, collaborative approach, wherein our governments can m…
Justice minister won't meet premiers' demand for 'sea change' to how judges are appointed
Justice Minister Sean Fraser says he has no plans to change how judges are appointed in Canada after four premiers wrote to Prime Minister Mark Carney asking for more of a say in the process.
The Toronto Star
Four premiers ask for greater say in superior, appeal court judge appointments
The premiers of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan are jointly calling on the federal government to give them more of a say in judges who are appointed to their superior and appeal courts.
The PMs in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan want to be involved in the appointment of federal judges and wrote to Mark Carney.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 88% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
