Justice Sheilah Martin, a distinguished jurist and former senior academic at the University of Calgary, has announced her retirement from the Supreme Court of Canada. Her departure from the nation's highest court will take effect at the end of May 2024.
A Distinguished Legal Career
Martin, who is 69, was appointed to the Supreme Court in December 2017. In a statement released Tuesday, Chief Justice Richard Wagner lauded her significant contributions. He highlighted her deep legal scholarship, commitment to fairness, and principled approach to justice. Wagner also noted that her dedication to education, honed during her time as dean of the University of Calgary's Faculty of Law, greatly benefited the court.
In her own statement, Justice Martin expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve. She emphasized the court's vital role in upholding an independent judiciary, safeguarding the Constitution, and promoting the rule of law. "I am forever thankful for the precious opportunity it provided to better understand the richness and diversity of the people in our country," she stated.
From Calgary Classrooms to the Supreme Court Bench
Justice Martin's career is deeply rooted in Alberta's legal and academic communities. A Montreal native, she pursued her post-secondary education at McGill University before earning a Master of Laws from the University of Alberta in 1983.
Her connection to Calgary is extensive. She worked as a law professor and researcher at the University of Calgary in the 1980s. From 1991 to 1996, she served as acting dean and then dean of the university's Faculty of Law. During her tenure, she taught a wide range of subjects, from feminist legal theory to advanced constitutional law.
Beyond academia, Martin has been a committed advocate for social justice. She provided pro bono legal work for organizations like the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund and the Alberta Association of Sexual Assault Centres in Supreme Court cases. She also contributed to seeking justice for survivors of Canada’s Indian residential school system.
The Path Forward for the Supreme Court
Justice Martin's judicial career began with her appointment to the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench in 2005. She later joined the Courts of Appeal of Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut in 2016 before her elevation to the Supreme Court.
Following standard procedure, a replacement will now be selected. A non-partisan, independent advisory board of seven members will identify suitable candidates. This board will create a shortlist of three to five names, which will be presented to key officials including the Chief Justice, the federal Minister of Justice, and relevant provincial attorneys general. Based on these recommendations, the Prime Minister will appoint the new justice.
Until her successor is in place, Justice Martin retains the ability to rule on cases she heard prior to her retirement for up to six months after she steps down.
