Legault government asks Ottawa for more powers to appoint judges

Quebec wants to participate fully in the appointment of Superior Court judges on its territory.

Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette will table a motion in the Salon Rouge in the next few days, informing the National Assembly of his intention to launch negotiations with Ottawa.

Jolin-Barrette’s intention is to amend the Constitution Act, so as to spell out that “Quebec Superior Court judges are chosen from among members of the Quebec Bar who have been recommended by the Quebec government.”

At present, Quebec only appoints judges to the Court of Quebec, municipal courts and justices of the peace.

The Liberal opposition indicated on Tuesday that it would take time to study the motion before expressing an opinion, while the Parti Québécois called Jolin-Barrette’s manoeuvre a “coup de communication.”

PQ MNA Pascal Paradis said that the Legault government is only asking to produce a shortlist for the federal government, which will remain the one that chooses Superior Court and Court of Appeal judges in Quebec.

This report by the Canadian Press was first published in French on April 8, 2025.