Federal judicial appointments in Alberta: Premier Smith and Minister Amery

February 03, 2026 Media inquiries

Premier Danielle Smith and Minister of Justice Mickey Amery released the following statement on the need for reform to the federal judicial appointment process:

“I have written to Prime Minister Mark Carney about the need for meaningful reform to the federal judicial appointment process for vacancies on the Alberta Court of King’s Bench, the Alberta Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.

“Alberta is also calling on the federal government to relax bilingualism requirements for federal judicial appointments that do not reflect Canada’s broader linguistic diversity in Western Canada and alienates Albertans and western Canadians alike.

“We are simply asking for a formal and meaningful role in the judicial appointment process that would boost public confidence in the administration of justice, support national unity within Alberta, and ensure judicial decision-making reflects the values and expectations of Albertans.”

Danielle Smith, Premier