Justice Minister Sean Fraser announced that a new Supreme Court justice will be appointed "imminently" as Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares to select from two leading candidates to fill the vacancy left by retired Justice Sheilah Martin.
Two Candidates Under Consideration
Multiple government and judicial sources confirmed to National Post that Carney is considering Glenn Joyal, Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench of Manitoba, and Anna Loparco, a judge on the Court of King's Bench of Alberta. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the appointment process publicly.
Joyal has served as chief justice since 2011, while Loparco was appointed to the bench in 2019. Both are fluently trilingual, speaking English, French, and Italian, and are known for advocating improved access to justice for French speakers in their provinces.
Timeline for Appointment
Fraser noted that Carney is not one to delay when a task can be completed. Sources indicated that Carney is expected to nominate his preferred candidate before the end of June after presenting the decision to cabinet. Following the nomination, a parliamentary committee hearing will be convened, and the appointment could be finalized by the end of June, though the exact timing remains uncertain.
Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Renée Procter declined to confirm the candidates or timeline, stating that details will be shared in due course.
Advisory Board Recommendations
The Independent Advisory Board (IAB), established by the Liberals to vet applicants for the Supreme Court, recommended only two candidates: Joyal and Loparco. This may raise concerns, as the IAB's mandate requires it to submit at least three, but up to five, qualified and functionally bilingual candidates to the prime minister. The IAB's recommendations are first presented to the minister of justice, who then advises the prime minister on the path forward.
