Justice Sheilah Martin has announced her retirement from the Supreme Court of Canada, creating a vacancy on the bench. Her retirement will take effect on May 30, just before her 70th birthday, with the mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court justices being 75.
In a statement released by the court on Tuesday, Martin expressed her deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve Canadians on the nation’s highest court, describing it as the pinnacle of her professional career. She emphasized the importance of a strong and independent judiciary in addressing national issues, upholding the Constitution, and promoting the rule of law.
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 her appointment as a judge of the Courts of Appeal of Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut in June 2016. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau elevated her to the Supreme Court in 2017.
Throughout her extensive legal career, Martin has been dedicated to issues concerning Indigenous rights, education, and equality. Chief Justice Richard Wagner commended her legal expertise, commitment to fairness, and principled approach to justice, highlighting her significant contributions to Canadian jurisprudence.
Federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser expressed gratitude to Martin for her service on the bench, acknowledging her role in strengthening Canada’s legal system through her dedication to fairness, justice, and the rule of law. Trudeau’s appointment process for Supreme Court justices, implemented in 2016, emphasizes the selection of candidates with exceptional qualifications, bilingual proficiency, and a diverse representation of the country.
Following retirement, Supreme Court justices can continue to participate in decisions on cases they presided over for up to six months. Martin’s departure will leave a notable gap on the Supreme Court bench, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in the court’s composition and jurisprudence.