Thank you, Wade.
In the brief time I have, I cannot possibly paint a full picture of the professional and personal experiences and accomplishments of Justice Michelle O'Bonsawin. I instead offer a brief sketch of her background.
Judge O'Bonsawin grew up in Hanmer, a small francophone village near Sudbury, Ontario. As a first nations woman growing up in northern Ontario, she became aware of the need for dedicated individuals to give a voice to those who could not speak for themselves.
That inspired her and she decided to become a lawyer. She obtained a bachelor of arts degree from Laurentian University and a bachelor of law degree from the University of Ottawa and was called to the Ontario Bar.
She began her legal career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Legal Services and later acted as counsel for Canada Post, where she specialized in labour and employment law, human rights and privacy law.
She then became general counsel with the Royal Ottawa Healthcare Group, where she developed a thorough understanding of legal issues related to mental health and the application of the Gladue principles in the forensic mental health system. She has appeared before a variety of administrative tribunals and various levels of courts.
While in this position, she earned a master's degree in law from Osgoode Hall Law School, with a specialty related to mental health rights.
In 2017, she was appointed to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and in 2021, she received her doctorate of law degree from the University of Ottawa, specializing in indigenous issues and mental health rights.
Both her legal and academic backgrounds provide significant grounding in important areas of criminal law, namely mental health law, as well as the implementation of Gladue principles.
At all stages of her career, Justice O'Bonsawin has volunteered with numerous organizations devoted to improving our justice system and our society more broadly. She has been actively involved as an educator, providing continuing education courses to members of the judiciary and teaching at the University of Ottawa.
Throughout her career, she has remained rooted in her Abenaki First Nation of Odanak. This includes participating in ceremonies, being supported by elders and taking courses in the Abenaki language.
I could go on, but I believe that even this brief sketch speaks to the professional and legal excellence of this fluently bilingual and accomplished jurist. Let there be no doubt that there are qualified indigenous candidates who speak both official languages.
Let me end by noting one aspect of Justice O'Bonsawin that stood out for me: her commitment to putting her talents, knowledge and experience to the service of others. She is dedicated to continually sharpening her skills and broadening her knowledge so that she can be of better service to others in their vast diversity of needs and backgrounds.
I need only point to the fact that despite being a member of the judiciary, she persisted in completing her research and defending her thesis for her doctorate degree while continuing to sit as a full-time judge. As someone who has completed a Ph.D., I must admit that I find it hard to imagine doing so while having a full-time job as demanding as that of a superior court judge. Justice O'Bonsawin has shown extraordinary commitment in her legal career.
As the first indigenous justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, Justice O'Bonsawin will bring an invaluable perspective and deep wisdom to the court. This is a historic moment not only for the indigenous peoples of Canada but also for all Canadians. The court’s decisions are enriched and strengthened when justices bring diverse perspectives. The court's legitimacy is enhanced when Canadians see themselves represented on the court.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I look forward to answering your questions and those of committee members.