Supreme Court Justice Sheilah Martin to retire, opening up vacancy on bench this spring
Posted on: Jan 13, 2026 23:22 IST | Posted by: Cbc
justness Sheilah st. Martin is unassuming from the rural area’s highest margaret court, opening up a vacancy on the Supreme Court of Canada bench.
According to a statement from the court issued Tuesday, the Trudeau-era nominee is leaving effective May 30 — a day shy of her 70th birthday. The mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court justices is 75.
Martin said she is "deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served Canadians on our nation’s apex court," calling it the honour of her professional life.
"I am forever thankful for the precious opportunity it provided to better understand the richness and diversity of the people in our country and the laws and institutions that allow us to live together with respect, dignity and equality," she wrote in a statement.
"I have taken seriously the need for a strong and independent judiciary to address issues of national importance, safeguard the Constitution and promote the rule of law."
The Montreal-born justice studied both civil and common law before moving to Alberta.
She was first appointed as a judge in 2005, and served on the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta in Calgary until June 2016, when she was appointed as a judge of the Courts of Appeal of Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
She vaulted to the Supreme Court in 2017 under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Her multi-decade legal career has focused on Indigenous issues, education and equality.
Chief Justice Richard Wagner praised Martin for her "depth of her legal scholarship, her commitment to fairness, and her principled approach to justice."
"She has made remarkable contributions to Canadian jurisprudence and her commitment to education has carried over into her career on the bench," he wrote.
"I have always appreciated her enthusiasm in supporting initiatives that promote openness, transparency and meaningful engagement with Canadians. Her colleagues and I wish her a very happy retirement."
Appointments to the Supreme Court are made on advice from the prime minister. Trudeau brought in a new appointment process in 2016, setting up an independent advisory board to identify and review candidates who are of the "highest calibre, functionally bilingual, and representative of the diversity of our country."
Supreme Court justices can still participate in judgments of cases they heard for up to six months after their date of retirement.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.