OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 11, 2013) - The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the members of the Selection Panel to advise on filling the vacancy at the Supreme Court of Canada for the Quebec region arising as a result of the retirement of the Honourable Mr. Justice Morris Fish. The Selection Panel plays a critical role in ensuring transparency and balance in the Supreme Court appointment process.
"Our Government is committed to ensuring the legal excellence and merit that Canadians have all come to expect from our country's highest court," said Minister Nicholson. "As Canada's final court of appeal, the Supreme Court of Canada is the last judicial resort for all litigants whether individual or government. Its decisions affect the rights and duties of all Canadians and each and every individual judge on the court plays an important role in that process."
The Selection Panel includes five Members of Parliament, including one from each recognized political party. They are:
The mandate of the Selection Panel is to review and assess a list of qualified candidates put forward by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada in consultation with the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of Canada, the Chief Justice of Quebec, the Attorney General of Quebec and other prominent legal organizations, including the Barreau du Québec and Canadian Bar Association. The Minister has also received public input with respect to candidates who merit consideration.
The selection process will proceed as follows:
Further information on the appointment process is available in the Statement from the Prime Minister issued on May 18, 2012. An online version is accessible at http://pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?category=3&featureId=6&pageId=49&id=4808.
Internet: www. justice.gc.ca
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