Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, along with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Quebec Premier François Legault and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, have written a joint letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney calling for a new collaborative approach to judicial appointments to superior trial courts, courts of appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. The Premiers are advocating for provincial governments to participate directly in the selection process within their jurisdictions.
Canada is an outlier among federal systems, where comparable countries give state or provincial governments a direct role in judicial appointments. Addressing this gap will strengthen public confidence in the justice system and ensure provinces have a meaningful voice in decisions that shape how justice is delivered in their communities.
“Provinces are responsible for keeping communities safe and upholding the rule of law. When provinces are at the table, decisions better reflect the needs of the people they serve. A more collaborative approach will strengthen confidence in the justice system and ensure the appointment process is transparent and consistent.”
This joint request calls for federal judicial appointments to superior trial courts and courts of appeal to be selected from candidates recommended and approved by the relevant province. Provinces are seeking full access to the same information on all assessed judicial candidates to support a more transparent and consistent process.
“Standing together with other provinces on this matter will let the federal government know that Canadians are serious about granting provincial governments appropriate authority over provincial matters. It’s time for provinces to take control of deciding who is best suited to administer justice in each region.”
Currently judicial appointments are made through judicial advisory committees, which assess and screen applicants and provide non-binding recommendations to the federal government. The current process does not give provincial governments an equal voice in appointing justices.
“In a country as vast and diverse as Canada, it is past time that provinces have a say in the appointment of the judges making decisions that directly impact the people we represent. By working together, we can restore confidence in Canada’s judiciary and help fix critical problems like the broken bail system.”
“I am proud to join my voice with those of my counterparts in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario to advance this important reform. It is essential that provinces fully participate in the selection of judges for their superior courts. By selecting from candidates recommended and approved by the provinces, we will strengthen confidence in our justice system. This is another step toward strengthening provincial autonomy and promoting an open and cooperative federalism.”
“Saskatchewan’s courts exist to serve Saskatchewan people, and our province must have a meaningful role in selecting the judges who serve them. A reformed appointment process that gives provinces a real voice will produce a bench that reflects the unique perspectives, values, and needs of the communities it serves. We look forward to working with Prime Minister Carney to strengthen public confidence in our courts.”
This initiative builds on feedback from the Alberta Next Panel, where Albertans called for a stronger provincial role in judicial appointments. It would ensure the courts respond to the distinct needs of Canadian communities and regions.
This approach will bring greater balance to how judicial appointments are made and support a more transparent and accountable process while reinforcing judicial independence. The provinces stand ready to work with the federal government to advance these reforms.