Justice Sheilah Martin is stepping down from her position on the Supreme Court of Canada, creating an opening on the country’s top judicial bench. Her retirement, effective May 30, comes just before her 70th birthday, as Supreme Court justices must retire at the age of 75.
In a statement released by the court on Tuesday, Martin expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve Canadians on the highest court and described it as the pinnacle of her professional career. She emphasized the importance of understanding the diversity of the Canadian population and the legal framework that promotes living together with respect, dignity, and equality.
Born in Montreal, Martin pursued studies in both civil and common law before relocating to Alberta. She began her judicial career in 2005 and served on the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta in Calgary until 2016 when she was appointed as a judge of the Courts of Appeal of Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Martin was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2017 during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tenure.
Throughout her extensive legal career, Martin has focused on issues concerning Indigenous rights, education, and equality. Chief Justice Richard Wagner commended her legal scholarship, fairness, and principled approach to justice, highlighting her significant contributions to Canadian jurisprudence.
Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser expressed gratitude to Martin for her dedication to fairness, justice, and the rule of law, noting her valuable contributions to Canada’s legal system. Appointments to the Supreme Court are made on the prime minister’s recommendation, with a selection process emphasizing high caliber, bilingualism, and diversity representation.
Supreme Court justices are allowed to participate in decisions on cases they presided over for up to six months after retiring, ensuring continuity in the judicial process.