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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
PM to replace retiring Supreme Court justice
Justice Marie Deschamps (CP)
OTTAWA -- The departure of Justice Marie Deschamps from the Supreme Court of Canada in the summer gives Prime Minister Stephen Harper an opportunity to nominate his fifth high court judge.
And before the next election, expected in the fall of 2015, the prime minister will have the opportunity to appoint two and possibly three more justices.
A replacement for Deschamps will be Harper's third appointment to the court in less than a year. The new justice will be from Quebec to meet the legal requirement at least three judges must be from that province.
Deschamps will step down in August after a decade on the court.
Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin said Deschamps' retirement will be effective Aug. 7 -- or 10 years to the day after she was appointed, and a few months shy of her 60th birthday.
"Justice Deschamps has made a very significant contribution to the Supreme Court and, more broadly, to the administration of justice in Canada," the chief justice said in a statement.
"We will miss her wisdom, intelligence, keen wit and boundless energy. She has been a wonderful colleague and will always be a good friend."
The chief justice also urged a speedy replacement for the departing judge.
"I am certain that the Canadian government will give necessary care and consideration to the prompt appointment of a new justice of the Supreme Court of Canada."
Harper praised the departing justice for her dedication and contributions to the court. Her replacement will be a priority, he added.
Harper said the process will begin with consultations with Quebec's attorney general and leading members of the province's legal community. The public can also nominate candidates.
A pool of qualified candidates will be reviewed by a selection panel composed of five MPs, three from the government and one each from the NDP and Liberals.
The panel will review the candidates and provide the prime minister with an unranked short list of three qualified candidates.
The eventual nominee will appear before an ad hoc parliamentary committee to answer questions from MPs.
-- The Canadian Press
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 19, 2012 A23
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