Alberta seeking greater role in judicial appointments, threatens to withhold funding for judges
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she wants a ‘formal and meaningful role’ for the province in the judicial appointment process and has threatened to withdraw funding to support any new judicial appointments unless a more collaborative process is set up.
Wednesday, February 04, 2026 @ 3:23 PM
Last Updated: Thursday, February 05, 2026 @ 1:27 PM
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is asking the federal government for a greater say in judicial appointments and has threatened to withdraw funding to support any new judicial appointments in the province unless a more collaborative process is set up. In an open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Smith also said Ottawa needs to relax bilingualism requirements for judicial appointments “that do not reflect Canada’s broader linguistic diversity in Western Canada and alienates Albertans and western Canadians alike.” ... [read more]
Federal Court upholds CHRC refusal to hear complaint following labour arbitration
Thursday, February 05, 2026 @ 3:15 PM
The Federal Court has upheld a Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) decision declining to deal with a complaint under the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA), finding the substance of the discrimination allegations had already been addressed through prior labour arbitration. ... [read more]
Feds introduce act to make Build Canada Homes a Crown corporation
Thursday, February 05, 2026 @ 3:15 PM
The federal government has introduced the Build Canada Homes Act to establish Build Canada Homes as a “Crown corporation whose mandate will be dedicated to building affordable housing in communities across the country.” ... [read more]
Judges must use restraint when sentencing youthful, first-time offenders: lawyer
Thursday, February 05, 2026 @ 3:12 PM
Sentencing judges must consider the “restraint principle” when dealing with youthful offenders lacking a criminal record, says the lawyer of a young tow truck driver convicted of drug and gun crimes. ... [read more]
Court upholds decision finding race, disability did not play a role in TD Bank employee’s demotion
Wednesday, February 04, 2026 @ 4:17 PM
The Federal Court has upheld a tribunal decision that a Black employee formerly working at TD Bank was not deprived of his Charter rights due to a demotion through restructuring, despite his arguments on race and disability being a factor. ... [read more]
