Minister of Justice Announces Judicial Appointments in BC, Quebec, and Tax Court
In a significant move to strengthen Canada’s judiciary, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Arif Virani, has announced a series of new judicial appointments. These appointments span British Columbia, Quebec, and the Tax Court of Canada, reflecting the government’s commitment to a diverse and representative judiciary.
The announcement highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure Canada’s courts reflect the country’s diversity while maintaining high standards of excellence and integrity. Since November 2015, the government has appointed more than 645 judges, with a focus on increasing representation from underrepresented groups.
British Columbia Sees Three New Appointments
In British Columbia, three new judges have been appointed to the Supreme Court. John R.W. Hunter, K.C., a partner at Hunter Litigation Chambers in Vancouver, will serve as a judge in Vancouver, replacing Justice G.C. Weatherill, who has chosen to become a supernumerary judge.
Richard S. Fowler, K.C., a partner at Fowler and Blok in Vancouver, has also been appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver. He succeeds Justice J.C. Grauer, who has elected to become a supernumerary judge.
Mark D. Underhill, a partner at Arvay Finlay LLP in Vancouver, completes the trio of new appointments to the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Vancouver. He replaces Justice K.N. Affleck, who has resigned.
Quebec Welcomes Two New Judges
In Quebec, two new judges have been appointed to the Superior Court. Chantal Chatelain, a partner at Langlois Lawyers LLP in Montreal, has been named a puisne judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Montreal. She takes the place of Justice G. Dugré, who was removed from office.
Karine Joizil, a partner at McCarthy Tétrault LLP in Montreal, has also been appointed as a puisne judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Montreal. She succeeds Justice S. Cournoyer, who has chosen to become a supernumerary judge.
Tax Court of Canada Adds a New Judge
Olivier Fournier, a partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP in Montreal, has been appointed as a judge of the Tax Court of Canada. He replaces Justice J. D’Auray, who has resigned.
A Commitment to Diversity and Excellence
These appointments are part of an open and independent process established in 2016, which emphasizes transparency, merit, and diversity. The government has made a concerted effort to increase representation of women, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who self-identify as having a disability.
Since Budget 2017, the government has funded 116 new judicial positions, aiming to enhance the capacity of superior courts and improve access to justice for all Canadians. Recent changes to the Questionnaire for Federal Judicial Appointments have also been implemented to create a more inclusive and respectful assessment process for candidates.
The Appointment Process and Its Emphasis on Transparency
The appointments are a result of an open and independent process established in 2016, which prioritizes transparency, merit, and diversity. This process ensures that the selection of judges is based on their qualifications and ability to serve the judiciary effectively, reflecting the government’s commitment to a fair and representative legal system.
Significance of the Appointments in Enhancing Judicial Diversity
These appointments mark a significant step towards a more diverse judiciary. The government has appointed over 645 judges since November 2015, with a focus on increasing representation from underrepresented groups. This includes women, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who self-identify as having a disability. The new appointments continue this trend, ensuring that the judiciary mirrors the diversity of the Canadian population.
Impact on Court Capacity and Access to Justice
Since Budget 2017, the government has funded 116 new judicial positions, aiming to enhance the capacity of superior courts and improve access to justice for all Canadians. These additional positions help reduce backlogs and ensure that Canadians have timely access to justice, which is a critical component of a fair and efficient legal system.
Enhancements to the Judicial Appointment Questionnaire
Recent changes to the Questionnaire for Federal Judicial Appointments have been implemented to create a more inclusive and respectful assessment process for candidates. These changes ensure that the selection process is fair and considers the diverse backgrounds and experiences of potential judges, further promoting diversity and inclusion in the judiciary.
Conclusion
The recent judicial appointments in British Columbia, Quebec, and the Tax Court of Canada represent a significant step forward in strengthening Canada’s judiciary. These appointments reflect the government’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and excellence, ensuring that the judiciary better represents the Canadian population. By prioritizing transparency, merit, and diversity, the government continues to build a fair and efficient legal system. The addition of new judges not only enhances court capacity but also improves access to justice for all Canadians, reinforcing the integrity and effectiveness of the judicial process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many judicial appointments were announced in British Columbia, Quebec, and the Tax Court of Canada?
A total of six new appointments were made: three in British Columbia, two in Quebec, and one in the Tax Court of Canada.
What is the significance of these appointments in terms of judicial diversity?
These appointments continue the government’s efforts to increase representation of underrepresented groups, including women, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those with disabilities, ensuring the judiciary reflects Canada’s diversity.
How are judges selected for these appointments?
Judges are selected through an open and independent process established in 2016, emphasizing transparency, merit, and diversity. Recent changes to the Questionnaire for Federal Judicial Appointments further promote inclusivity and fairness.
How do these appointments impact access to justice?
The addition of new judges helps reduce court backlogs and improves the efficiency of the legal system, ensuring Canadians have timely access to justice.
How many judges have been appointed since November 2015?
Since November 2015, the government has appointed more than 645 judges, with a focus on increasing diversity and representation in the judiciary.
