The Canadian Bar Association is speaking out against Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s call for more input on the selection of federal judges.
Smith says if Alberta doesn’t get more say on future judicial appointments to the province’s superior courts and the Supreme Court of Canada, her government would hold back money those judges need to do their jobs.
Video: Justice Minister pushes back against Alberta premier’s demands on judicial appointments
In a letter to Smith, the Canadian Bar Association, which speaks for 40,000 lawyers, judges and legal professionals across the country, says Smith’s proposal would compromise the appointment process and judicial independence.
Concerns over politicization and public trust
The association says it’s concerned that Smith’s suggestion that courts don’t reflect the “values and expectations” of Albertans underscores the political nature of her proposal.
It also says her comment calls into question the integrity of sitting judges.
The bar association says tactics that delay or obstruct judicial appointments ultimately punish Albertans by limiting access to the justice system.
Ottawa defends current appointment process
Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser has said he has confidence in the current independent appointment process, and he plans to maintain it.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 5, 2026.