Canada Appoints New Supreme Court Justice

On June 17, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau nominated Justice Mahmud Jamal (BCL’93, LLB’93) to the Supreme Court of Canada. The Prime Minister said “I am pleased to announce the nomination of Justice Mahmud Jamal to the Supreme Court of Canada" he added “Respected around the world, Canada’s Supreme Court is known for its strength, independence, and judicial excellence. I know that Justice Jamal, with his exceptional legal and academic experience and dedication to serving others, will be a valuable asset to our country’s highest court.” At a time when violent acts of racism are making headlines in Canada and around the world the nomination is historic. Justice Jamal will be the first person of colour to sit on Canada’s Supreme Court.

Born to an Indian family in Kenya, Justice Jamal is a graduate of McGill with a Bachelor of Civil Law and a Bachelor of Laws. He has appeared in 35 appeals before the Supreme Court of Canada on civil, constitutional, criminal and regulatory issues. Jamal also taught constitutional law at McGill and administrative law at Osgoode Hall Law School. “Like many others, I experienced discrimination as a fact of daily life. As a child and youth, I was taunted and harassed because of my name, religion, or the colour of my skin,” said Jamal in a statement.

The CBA president Brad Regehr in a statement said “The Canadian Bar Association is happy that with the nomination of Justice Jamal, who was born in Kenya, the Supreme Court of Canada will be more reflective of the diverse population it serves" he further added “But we believe there is more work to be done, including the appointment of an Indigenous person to the highest court in the land.”

On June 28th, Mahmud Jamal was officially confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice, and appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada.