Michelle Obonswain will become the first Indigenous female judge to serve on the country’s Supreme Court

Canada began a process of reconciliation with its indigenous peoples. This is how Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decided to appoint Indigenous Justice Michelle Obonswain to the country’s Supreme Court, on Friday, August 19, which sets a historic precedent.

“I am convinced that [Michelle O’Bonsawin] He will bring invaluable knowledge and contributions to the highest court of our country.”The Prime Minister said in a statement.

M^I O’Bonsawin is ‘Perfectly bilingual’ In both French and English, which is what Justin Trudeau has committed to, at a time when the practice of French is in decline in Canada, according to recent official data.

“Various Views”

A judge in the Ontario Supreme Court of Justice since 2017, specializing in the fields of mental health and human rights.

“I believe my experience as a Francophone First Nations woman, mother, lawyer, researcher and judge gives me a deep understanding and knowledge of Canadian diversity because I and my life experience are part of that diversity.I wrote in the form that I filled out to become a candidate and it was made public.

“My experience has taught me that although discrimination is a reality in Canada, my abilities allow me to contribute to my role in our country and help us be a more inclusive society.”she added.

His appointment was welcomed by Murray Sinclair, the former chair of the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a six-year national investigation into the boarding schools for Aboriginal children established in Canada between the late 19^e century and the nineties.

The court is stronger and our decisions are better when there are diverse viewpoints where they are most needed. This is particularly true of issues related to Canada’s long road to reconciliation.The former senator said in a statement. It is long overdue for the Court to have the seat of an Aboriginal judge, a judge with first-hand knowledge of the impact of colonialism on Aboriginal communities. »

Pope Francis’ visit

Discrimination suffered by Indigenous people is at the center of much debate within Canadian society, particularly since then Hundreds of graves unearthed in the spring of 2021 on the site of a former indigenous religious boarding school..

Pope Francis also visited Canadaat the end of July, To apologize for the transgressions committed by members of the Church In the aboriginal boarding schools.

With this appointment, Michelle Obonswain became the fifth Justice of the Peace chosen by Justin Trudeau out of nine members of the Court. And so the liberal prime minister left his mark on the country’s highest legal body.

In 2016, Mr. Trudeau’s government undertook a profound reform of the way judges are appointed in order to ensure the independence and transparency of their decisions. a An independent and impartial advisory committee Prepared to recommend candidates “Qualified”And the “Bilingual” It has diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The current nine Supreme Court justices – three women and six men – have been appointed by the Governor-General, who represents Queen Elizabeth II, on the recommendation of the government. Judges are irremovable and can serve up to the age of 75. AD^I Obonsauen will replace Michael Moldavier, who is retiring.

A non-binding measure still needs to be taken by the end of August before a parliamentary committee can take over before Michelle Obonswain can take over. Then, it will be up to Mary Simon, the first Aboriginal governor-general, to confirm the appointment of the first Aboriginal judge.

Another appointment made Supreme Court history last year, when Mahmoud Gamal became the first non-white person to be appointed to the court.