Canada: Indigenous woman nominated for Supreme Court in landmark first
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Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin has become the first indigenous person to be nominated for appointment to the Supreme Court of Canada in its 147-year history.
The judge, who has served on the Ontario Superior Court of Justice bench since 2017, is an Abenaki member of the Odanak First Nation.
She is an accomplished jurist with expertise in the areas of mental health, Gladue principles (which relate to the sentencing of indigenous people), labour and employment law, human rights and privacy law.
Her nomination follows sustained criticism of the Supreme Court over its lack of diversity and has been welcomed by indigenous groups, CBC reports.
Canada’s prime minister Justin Trudeau said: “I am pleased to announce the nomination of Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin to the Supreme Court of Canada, which is recognized worldwide for its strength, excellence, and independence.
“Her nomination is the result of an open, non-partisan selection process. I am confident that Justice O’Bonsawin will bring invaluable knowledge and contributions to our country’s highest court.”
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