“I have written to Prime Minister Mark Carney about the need for meaningful reform to the federal judicial appointment process for vacancies on the Alberta Court of King’s Bench, the Alberta Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.
“Alberta is also calling on the federal government to relax bilingualism requirements for federal judicial appointments that do not reflect Canada’s broader linguistic diversity in Western Canada and alienates Albertans and western Canadians alike.
“We are simply asking for a formal and meaningful role in the judicial appointment process that would boost public confidence in the administration of justice, support national unity within Alberta, and ensure judicial decision-making reflects the values and expectations of Albertans.”
Danielle Smith, Premier
“Provinces deserve to have a say in judicial appointments, such as in Quebec, where there is a highly collaborative process when making appointments to the Superior Court of Quebec, the Court of Appeal of Quebec and the Supreme Court of Canada. For the three of nine seats reserved for Quebec on the Supreme Court of Canada, a specific board is formed that includes two members appointed by the federal government and two appointed by Quebec.
“The highest levels of Alberta’s justice system should reflect Albertans, and allowing their input and the appointment of justices that reflect the wide spectrum of Albertan identity would enhance trust in Canada’s legal precepts.
“To work together and identify highly qualified candidates for current and future vacancies in the judicial system, Alberta’s government has proposed that a Special Advisory Committee be formed consisting of four non-partisan experts from Alberta and the federal government.”
Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General