In a historic move, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has nominated the distinguished Alberta judge, Mary Moreau, to Canada’s prestigious supreme court. This nomination marks a significant milestone, as it paves the way for the first-ever majority-female bench in the court’s illustrious 148-year history.
Mary Moreau, who most recently held the position of Chief Justice in Alberta’s superior court and boasts an impressive 29-year career in the same institution, has been chosen to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Justice Russell Brown in June.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Moreau’s legal career spans a diverse spectrum, encompassing criminal law, constitutional law, and civil litigation. Her academic journey led her through the halls of the University of Alberta and the Université de Sherbrooke in Quebec, where she honed her legal expertise.
Canada’s Minister of Justice, Arif Virani, hailed this momentous occasion as the “shattering of a glass ceiling.” With Moreau’s appointment, the supreme court will now be graced by the presence of a majority of women for the very first time in its storied history.
This landmark appointment is part of Trudeau’s ongoing efforts to diversify the composition of Canada’s top court. In June 2021, Mahmud Jamal became the first judge of color to secure a seat on the supreme court, followed by Michelle O’Bonsawin, who made history as the first Indigenous person to join its ranks a year later.
Trudeau expressed his admiration for Mary T. Moreau, emphasizing her unwavering dedication to fairness and excellence throughout her illustrious judicial career. He took to social media to announce her nomination to the supreme court, a reflection of Canada’s commitment to inclusivity.
The selection process adhered to strict criteria, with eligible candidates shortlisted by an independent, nonpartisan advisory board before being presented to Prime Minister Trudeau. Proficiency in both official languages, English and French, was a prerequisite, and the appointment to fill the current vacancy had to hail from western or northern Canada to ensure regional representation.
This historic nomination underlines Canada’s commitment to fostering diversity and ensuring a fair and representative judiciary, setting a commendable example for the world.
