Justice Minister Fraser rebuffs Alberta's call for more say on judicial appointments

Justice Minister Sean Fraser said he will keep the current federal process for judicial appointments after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith asked for a greater provincial role and warned she would withhold some judicial funding if Ottawa did not agree.

Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser rejected a request from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for a greater provincial role in judicial appointments. Ms. Smith told Ottawa she would withhold some judicial funding if her demands were not met. Mr. Fraser said he plans to retain the existing federal appointment process and praised its record of selecting qualified candidates. Ms. Smith also asked for more influence over Supreme Court appointments and for lower bilingualism requirements on that court. What officials said: - Justice Minister Sean Fraser said he will maintain the current federal judicial appointment process. - Premier Danielle Smith said she would withhold some judicial funding if Ottawa did not agree to her demands. - Ms. Smith asked for a larger provincial role in appointments to the Supreme Court and for reduced bilingualism requirements on that court. - Mr. Fraser noted Alberta representatives have participated in the process and said their feedback has been helpful. Summary: The disagreement highlights a push by Alberta for more provincial influence over judicial selection while the federal government affirms its existing process. Undetermined at this time.