La prochaine juge à la Cour suprême sera la Franco-Albertaine : L’importance de la représentativité régionale et linguistique dans le système judiciaire canadien.

Canada Names Franco-Albertan Judge Mary Moreau to Supreme Court

Introduction

In a bid to uphold regional and linguistic representation on the highest court of the land, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has named Franco-Albertan judge Mary Moreau as the newest member of the Supreme Court of Canada. Moreau, who currently serves as Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta, will replace Justice Russell Brown, who resigned in June amid allegations of misconduct. As the first woman and first francophone to lead the court, Moreau’s appointment is seen as a historic and significant step towards greater diversity on the bench.

Promoting Linguistic Minority Rights

One of Moreau’s key contributions to the legal community is her co-founding of the Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Alberta in 1990, an organization dedicated to improving access to French-language legal services in the province. Her involvement included advocacy in the landmark Mahé case, in which the Supreme Court unanimously recognized the right of francophones in minority settings to manage their own educational institutions. Moreau’s commitment to linguistic minority rights aligns with the Canadian government’s efforts to uphold bilingualism and protect the rights of all Canadians to access justice in their preferred language.

The Importance of Regional and Linguistic Representation

The appointment of Mary Moreau to the Supreme Court demonstrates the government’s commitment to maintaining regional balance on the bench, a tradition that has long been upheld. Historically, two judges from the Western or Northern regions of the country have always served on the court. In this case, the selection of a francophone judge from Alberta ensures that the perspective and experiences of linguistic minorities in Western Canada are represented at the highest level of the judiciary.

Expert Opinions on the Appointment

The appointment of Mary Moreau has garnered praise from various stakeholders and experts in the legal community. Nathalie Lachance, president of the Association canadienne-française de l’Alberta, welcomed the news and expressed hope that the appointment would be approved by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Caroline Magnan, director of the common law in French program at the University of Ottawa, lauded the appointment, stating that it is well-deserved and not surprising given Moreau’s qualifications and commitment to the law. Michel Bastarache, a former Supreme Court justice who worked with Moreau on the Mahé case, highlighted the importance of having someone on the Supreme Court who has lived in a linguistic minority community and understands the significance of linguistic rights. Mark Power, a lawyer specializing in linguistic rights, applauded Moreau’s appointment, noting her dedication, rigor, and strong work ethic. Liane Roy, president of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada, hailed Trudeau’s choice as a positive step for francophone and Acadian communities. Ian Holloway, dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary, praised Moreau as a highly respected jurist and hardworking individual, while also expressing surprise at the consecutive appointments from Alberta.

Conclusion

The appointment of Mary Moreau to the Supreme Court of Canada brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the bench while ensuring regional and linguistic diversity. Moreau’s commitment to linguistic minority rights and her accomplishments in the legal profession make her a highly suitable candidate for this prestigious role. As Canada strives to uphold the principles of representation and inclusivity, Moreau’s appointment serves as a milestone in achieving a fair and balanced judiciary that reflects the nation’s diversity.