Government of Canada announces judicial appointments in the province of Alberta
News Release
June 17, 2016 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Justice Canada
The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointments:
The Honourable Sheilah L. Martin, a judge of the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench in Calgary, is appointed a judge of the Alberta Court of Appeal in Calgary to replace Mr. Justice C. O'Brien, who reached the mandatory age of retirement on November 11, 2014. She is also appointed a judge of the Court of Appeal for the Northwest Territories and a judge of the Court of Appeal of Nunavut.
The Honourable Sheila J. Greckol, a judge of the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench in Edmonton, is appointed a judge of the Alberta Court of Appeal in Edmonton to replace Mr. Justice R.S. Brown, who was elevated to the Supreme Court of Canada effective August 31, 2015. She is also appointed a judge of the Court of Appeal for the Northwest Territories and a judge of the Court of Appeal of Nunavut.
The Honourable John T. Henderson, a judge of the Provincial Court of Alberta in Edmonton, is appointed a judge of the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench in Edmonton to replace Madam Justice S.J. Greckol, who was elevated to the Alberta Court of Appeal.
Douglas R. Mah, Q.C., Secretary and General Counsel with the Workers' Compensation Board of Alberta in Edmonton, is appointed a judge of the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench in Edmonton to replace Mr. Justice D.R. Thomas, who elected supernumerary status effective June 23, 2015.
Gillian D. Marriott, Q.C., a lawyer with Widdowson Kachur Ostwald Menzies LLP in Calgary is appointed a judge of the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench in Calgary to replace Madam Justice S.L. Martin, who was elevated to the Alberta Court of Appeal.
Avril B. Inglis, a prosecutor with Alberta Justice in Edmonton is appointed a judge of the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench in Edmonton to replace Madam Justice F.L. Schutz, who was elevated to the Court of Appeal effective August 14, 2015.
These appointments are effective immediately.
Quick Facts
- The Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs administers the advisory committees, representing each province and territory, which assess the qualifications of the lawyers who apply for federal judicial appointments.
- Consultations in both the legal and non-legal community are undertaken by the committee in respect of each applicant.
- Lawyer candidates are notified of the date they were assessed by the committee, and assessments are valid for a period of two years from that date. During that time, a "recommended" candidate remains on the list of those available for judicial appointment by the Minister of Justice.
- Federal judicial appointments are made by the Governor General acting on the advice of the federal Cabinet. A recommendation for appointment is made to Cabinet by the Minister of Justice with respect to the appointment of puisne judges, and by the Prime Minister with respect to the appointment of Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices.
- The Government is considering ways to strengthen the judicial appointments process, guided by the same principles of openness, transparency, and merit as reflected in the Government's new process applicable to Governor in Counsel (GIC) appointments more generally. The Government is committed to ensuring that Canada's judiciary truly reflects the face of Canada.
- Reforms of the judicial appointments process will take time and require appropriate consultations, including with the judiciary, the legal community and the general public.
Quote
“We know that our country is stronger, and our judicial system more effective, when our judges reflect Canada's diversity. As promised, we have filled the urgent judicial vacancies by drawing on a list of recommended candidates who are of the highest calibre and who are as diverse as Canada. I have every confidence in the judgment of these appointees and in their commitment - and ability - to deliver just outcomes for Canadians. Moving forward, we will continue to search for ways to strengthen the judicial appointment process so that it is even more open, transparent, and merit-based.”
The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Related Products
Associated Links
Contacts
Michael Davis
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621
Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207
Follow Department of Justice Canada on Twitter (@JusticeCanadaEn), join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel.
Search for related information by keyword
Page details
- Date modified: