Prime Minister announces appointment of new Associate Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Quebec
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June 22, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of the Honourable Jean-François Michaud, a judge of the Superior Court of Quebec, as the Associate Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Quebec.
Associate Chief Justice Michaud replaces the Honourable Eva Petras, who passed away last year, after serving nearly eight years as Associate Chief Justice.
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“I wish the Honourable Jean-François Michaud every success in his new role as Associate Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Quebec. He is a respected member of the legal community. The Bench, and all Quebecers, will benefit from his diverse and considerable legal experience.”
Quick Facts
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices in Canada are responsible for the leadership and administration of their courts. They also serve as members of the Canadian Judicial Council, which works to improve the quality of judicial services in the superior courts of Canada.
- Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices are appointed by the Governor General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
- The Superior Court of Quebec hears civil and commercial cases where the sum at issue is $85,000 or more, as well as administrative and family matters, bankruptcies, jury trial in criminal cases, and summary conviction appeals.
Biographical Note
June 22, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese.
The prime ministers discussed the current wildfire situation across Canada. Prime Minister Trudeau thanked Prime Minister Albanese for Australia’s support to Canada to help battle the wildfires.
Noting that Australia also experienced devastating wildfires recently, both leaders underscored the need to work together to address the disruptive impacts of climate change in both countries and around the world. The prime ministers also reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation on climate action.
Prime Minister Trudeau underscored the importance of Australia as a partner and ally. The leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine as it continues to resist Russia’s brutal and unjustifiable aggression. The leaders also spoke about the strength of their respective mining industries, and the importance of building stable, resilient, and responsible critical mineral supply chains.
The two leaders agreed to stay in close contact and work together to advance shared priorities. Prime Minister Trudeau looked forward to seeing Prime Minister Albanese in the coming months.
Associated Links
- Canada-Australia relations
- Wildfires
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese
June 21, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day:
“Today, on National Indigenous Peoples Day, we celebrate the rich histories, traditions, and cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis from coast to coast to coast. National Indigenous Peoples Day is celebrated on the summer solstice – the longest day of the year – which holds a special significance for Indigenous Peoples who have gathered on this day for centuries to welcome the arrival of warm weather with ceremonies, traditional practices, and displays of art.
“We join Indigenous Peoples today in celebrating their achievements and their resilience. The story of indigeneity in Canada is a story of resilience. When the strongest institutions in the country tried to stamp out Indigenous cultures, languages, and ways of knowing, Indigenous communities persevered. And now, as we work to heal the lasting wounds of the past and move forward together, Indigenous communities are still standing strong: Indigenous youth today are proud of their heritage, and they are reclaiming their cultures and their languages. The Government of Canada will continue to support First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in revitalizing their traditions and languages.
“Together with Indigenous Peoples, we continue to envision and work toward a better future. This includes a Canada where Indigenous children are educated at the same rate as children in the rest of the country, where artifacts that were stolen from Indigenous communities are returned to their rightful owners, where no child is taken from their family because of discrimination and racism, where guidance that was co-developed with Indigenous partners is applied to every natural resource project in the country, and where everyone has access to clean air and clean water. While we have made historic progress in recent years, we know that work is far from over. That is what the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and its Action Plan, released today, will do. The Action Plan is an evergreen roadmap to achieving this transformative and lasting change in our relationship with Indigenous Peoples in Canada and continue working toward reconciliation.
“June 21 of every year is the day with the most light. And today, on the day with the most light, we look ahead to a bright future – for Indigenous Peoples and for all Canadians. I encourage Canadians to learn more about Indigenous cultures, join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #NIPD2023, join an Indigenous-led activity within your community, or explore Indigenous art at a local gallery. Let us continue to build a stronger Canada for everyone.”
June 20, 2023
Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Premier of Nova Scotia, Tim Houston, to discuss wildfires, clean power, and infrastructure investments.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Houston discussed recovery and rebuilding from the recent wildfires, following the Prime Minister’s visit with first responders and residents in the Tantallon area. They recognized the need for rapid reconstruction and agreed to further discuss this issue.
The Prime Minister and the Premier spoke about Nova Scotia’s goal to have 80 per cent of its electricity generated from renewable sources by 2030, and 100 per cent by 2035. The Prime Minister reiterated that the federal government wishes to support Nova Scotia in realizing these goals, and both leaders noted the importance of protecting ratepayers. The Prime Minister highlighted the significant analysis completed over two years that indicates the Atlantic Loop as the most economical option to achieve these goals, enable trade in electricity, and support other clean power investments in the region. Premier Houston noted that Nova Scotia will be submitting a written response to the federal offer of support toward the Atlantic Loop.
The two leaders also spoke about the Chignecto Isthmus infrastructure project and the federal cost-sharing program available to support it. Premier Houston also raised the issue of the aboiteau in the Avon River and Lake Pisiquid area.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Premier Houston agreed to remain in close touch on these important issues.
Associated Links
June 20, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today opened the process to select the next justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Russell Brown. Applications from qualified candidates will be accepted until Friday, July 21, 2023.
A non-partisan Independent Advisory Board for Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Appointments will be given the task of identifying suitable candidates who are jurists of the highest calibre, functionally bilingual, and representative of the diversity of our country.
After the application period closes, the Advisory Board will review applications and submit a shortlist of highly qualified candidates to the Prime Minister for consideration.
Justice Russell Brown was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 2015. In recognition of the custom of regional representation, the process will be open to all qualified applicants from Western Canada and Northern Canada.
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“The Supreme Court of Canada is the backbone of our country’s judicial system. Through our open, transparent, and independent appointment process, we are committed to ensuring the highest standards for Canada’s highest court.”
Quick Facts
- Qualified candidates who wish to be considered for the upcoming vacancy must submit an application package no later than 23:59 Pacific Time on Friday, July 21, 2023.
- Those interested in applying are encouraged to first review the statutory requirements set out in the Supreme Court Act, and the qualifications and assessment criteria that will guide the Advisory Board in evaluating a candidate’s suitability.
- Candidates may demonstrate they satisfy the geographical requirement by reference to their bar membership, judicial appointment, or other relationship with Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) or Northern Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut).
- The Supreme Court of Canada consists of nine judges, including a Chief Justice. They are all appointed by the Governor in Council and must have been either a judge of a superior court or a member of at least 10 years’ standing of the bar of a province or territory.
- In 2016, the Government of Canada announced a new process for Supreme Court of Canada judicial appointments. It included the creation of an independent and non-partisan advisory board to identify qualified and suitable candidates for appointment to the Supreme Court of Canada.
- The Chair and members of the Advisory Board will be announced in the coming weeks.
- The Advisory Board was previously chaired by the Right Honourable Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada, in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2021, and by the Honourable H. Wade MacLauchlan, former Premier of Prince Edward Island, in 2022.
- The Advisory Board includes a member nominated by the Indigenous Bar Association to advance the Minister of Justice’s mandate letter commitment to work with stakeholders to encourage more Indigenous Peoples to join the bench.
Associated Links
- Supreme Court of Canada
- Supreme Court of Canada appointment process
- New process for judicial appointments to the Supreme Court of Canada
