ICYMI - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau nominated Ontario judge Michelle O’Bonsawin to the Supreme Court of Canada on Friday, making her the first Indigenous person poised to sit on the country’s highest bench.
O’Bonsawin comes to the court after spending five years as a judge at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Ottawa, where she was also the first Indigenous woman to hold that position.
“Indigenous people have long faced discrimination, racism and prejudice in Canada’s justice system, leading to the overrepresentation of our people in courts and prisons. Governments must continue to ensure Indigenous voices help create laws, interpret and enforce them.” “It is long past due that the court has a seat for an Indigenous justice, one who has seen firsthand the impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities,” he said. “The court is made stronger, and our decisions are better, when there are diverse perspectives where they are needed most.”
When it comes to matters that affect Indigenous Peoples, “it’s very difficult to have confidence in the ability of the court to pronounce on those issues when you don’t have any individuals at the court who spent their lives working in Indigenous laws, customs or traditions,” Lafond said. “Hopefully with Michelle’s appointment we can begin to change that.”Article content
O’Bonsawin’s biography says she has “developed a thorough understanding of legal issues related to mental health” and “performed significant research regarding the use of Gladue principles in the forensic mental-health system.”Article content “I would like to ensure that the stigma associated with mental health is reduced and one day completely eliminated. This applies not only to the general population but also to the judiciary,” O’Bonsawin wrote.Article content
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Finland asks: Does a prime minister have a right to party?The leaked video of Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin dancing and singing with friends has triggered a debate among Finns about what level of revelling is inappropriate for a prime minister, especially considering neighbouring Russia's attack on Ukraine, which prompted long-neutral Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership.
Read more »
Finland asks: Does a prime minister have a right to party?HELSINKI (AP) — In a leaked video, Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin is seen dancing and singing with friends at a private party. The 36\u002Dyear\u002Dold leader…
Read more »
Finland asks: Does a prime minister have a right to party?In a leaked video, Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin is seen dancing and singing with friends at a private party.
Read more »
Finland asks: Can a prime minister party like a rock star?The leaked video of Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin dancing and singing with friends has triggered a debate among Finns about what level of revelling is inappropriate for a prime minister, especially considering neighbouring Russia's attack on Ukraine, which prompted long-neutral Finland and Sweden to apply for NATO membership.
Read more »
Finland asks: Can a prime minister party like a rock star?In a leaked video, Finland\u0027s Prime Minister Sanna Marin is seen dancing and singing with friends at a private party.
Read more »