OTTAWA-
The Chief Justice of Canada welcomes the appointment of the first Indigenous member of the Supreme Court of Canada.
In a statement today, Richard Wagner says Michelle O’Bonsawin has proven herself to be principled, genuine and hardworking throughout her career as a lawyer and judge.
O’Bonsawin, who replaces outgoing judge Michael Moldaver, is a fully bilingual Franco-Ontarian and an Abenaki member of the Odanak First Nation.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau nominated O’Bonsawin earlier this month and on Friday confirmed his appointment to the highest court effective September 1.
Wagner will be sworn in to him the same day in a private ceremony at the Supreme Court.
An official welcoming ceremony will take place in November.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on August 26, 2022.