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EDMONTON — Four provincial premiers are calling on Ottawa to overhaul Canada’s judicial appointment process to give provinces a formal role in selecting judges.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Quebec Premier François Legault and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe say they have written to Prime Minister Mark Carney seeking a more collaborative approach to appointing judges to superior courts, courts of appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.
The premiers are proposing a system in which provincial governments would participate directly in the selection of judges within their jurisdictions and have access to information on all candidates under consideration.
Smith says provinces are responsible for public safety and the administration of justice and should have a stronger voice in decisions affecting their court systems.
Currently, judicial appointments are made through federal advisory committees, which assess candidates and provide non-binding recommendations to the federal government.
The premiers argue Canada is out of step with other federal systems where subnational governments play a direct role in judicial appointments, and say reform would improve transparency and public confidence in the justice system.
Alberta Justice Minister Mickey Amery says the proposal would give provinces greater authority over matters within their jurisdiction, while Ford says a more regional approach would help address concerns about the justice system.
Legault says provincial participation would strengthen confidence in courts and support a more cooperative federal model, while Moe says it would ensure judges reflect the values and needs of local communities.
The premiers say they are prepared to work with the federal government to advance the changes.
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