Michelle O’Bonsawin in a photo from the University of Ottawa, Canada. HANDOUT / AFP
Canada has begun a process of reconciliation with its indigenous peoples. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has therefore decided to appoint Indigenous judge Michelle O’Bonsawin to the country’s Supreme Court on Friday 19 August, in a historic first.
” I’m convinced that [Michelle O’Bonsawin] will bring invaluable knowledge and input to our country’s highest court,” the prime minister said in a statement.
Ms. O’Bonsawin is “perfectly bilingual” in French and English, a promise Justin Trudeau has made at a time when the practice of French in Canada is declining, according to recent officials.
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“Diverse Perspectives”
She has been a judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice since 2017, specializing in the areas of mental health and human rights.
“I believe that my experience as a Francophone First Nations woman, mother, advocate, scholar and judge gives me a deep understanding and first-hand knowledge of the diversity of Canada because I and my life experiences are part of that diversity,” she wrote in the form she filled out to become a candidate, which was published.
“My experiences have taught me that while discrimination is a reality in Canada, my skills allow me to contribute my part to our country and help us build a more inclusive society,” she added.
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His appointment was welcomed by Murray Sinclair, former chair of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a six-year national investigation into boarding schools for Indigenous children established in Canada between the late 19th century and the 1990s.
“The court is stronger and our decisions are better when there are different perspectives where they are needed most. This is especially true on issues related to Canada’s long road to reconciliation, the former senator said in a statement. It’s long overdue for the court to have a seat for an Indigenous judge, one who knows first-hand about the impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities. »
Visit of Pope Francis
Discrimination against Indigenous people is at the center of a major debate in Canadian society, particularly since the discovery in spring 2021 of hundreds of graves on the site of a former religious boarding school reserved for Indigenous people.
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Pope Francis traveled to Canada in late July to apologize for abuses committed by members of the church at native boarding schools.
With this appointment, Michelle O’Bonsawin becomes the fifth judge to be selected by Justin Trudeau from nine on the court. The liberal Prime Minister has thus put his stamp on the country’s highest legal body.
In 2016, Mr Trudeau’s government implemented a major reform of the method of appointing judges to ensure the independence and transparency of their decisions. An “independent and impartial advisory committee” was set up to recommend “qualified”, “bilingual” candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The current nine justices of the Supreme Court – three women and six men – were appointed at the Government’s suggestion by the Governor-General representing Queen Elizabeth II. Judges are not removable and can serve until the age of 75. Ms O’Bonsawin is set to replace Michael Moldaver, who is retiring.
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A non-binding hearing before a parliamentary commission must take place by the end of August before Michelle O’Bonsawin takes office. It is then up to Mary Simon, the first Aboriginal governor-general, to confirm the appointment of the first Aboriginal magistrate.
Another appointment made Supreme Court history last year when Mahmud Jamal became the first non-white person appointed to the court.