Challenges in Alberta’s Supreme Court appointment plan

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Premier Danielle Smith outlined new United Conservative Party proposals intended to expand Alberta’s presence in the court system.

Her party’s proposal includes a formal provincial role with a committee that is 50% Alberta‑appointed to shape the shortlist of judicial candidates, including for the Supreme Court of Canada seats designated for Western Canada. Additionally, they are calling for reduced bilingualism requirements for Supreme Court appointments.

Speaking with The Globe and Mail on the topic, partner Andrew Bernstein noted that “such a proposal for the top court might not be workable.”

“It’s very difficult to see how provincial representation would work for the Supreme Court,” he said.

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