OTTAWA — 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."
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." "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.
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.
Prime Minister's summer tour stops today in the Magdalen IslandsPrime Minister Justin Trudeau will travel today to the beautiful Magdalen Islands in Quebec.
Read more »
Prime Minister travelling to Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula todayPrime Minister Justin Trudeau is resuming his summer politicking tour today with a trip to Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula.
Read more »
Trudeau nominates Michelle O'Bonsawin to be first Indigenous justice on Supreme CourtOTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appointed Ontario judge Michelle O’Bonsawin to the Supreme Court of Canada, making her the first Indigenous person…
Read more »
Michelle O'Bonsawin nominated to Supreme Court of Canada, making her first Indigenous justicePrime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed 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.
Read more »
Trudeau appoints Michelle O’Bonsawin, first Indigenous justice on Supreme CourtNEW: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appointed Ontario judge Michelle O’Bonsawin to the Supreme Court of Canada, making her the first Indigenous person to sit on the country’s highest bench.
Read more »