Ontario judge Mahmud Jamal first person of colour nominated to Supreme Court of Canada

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has nominated Ontario judge Mahmud Jamal to sit on the Supreme Court of Canada in what is a historic nod.

Jamal, the first person of colour nominated to Canada’s top court, was a longtime litigator before becoming a judge of the Ontario Court of Appeal two years ago.

The Prime Minister’s Office notes as a lawyer, he appeared in dozens of appeals before the Supreme Court on a wide variety of issues.

“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,” Trudeau said in a statement.

Justice Mahmud Jamal has had a distinguished career, throughout which he’s remained dedicated to serving others. He’ll be a valuable asset to the Supreme Court – and that’s why, today, I’m announcing his historic nomination to our country’s highest court. https://t.co/GSoW3zCU3b

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 17, 2021

Jamal, who is fluent in English and French, also taught constitutional law at McGill University and administrative law at Osgoode Hall Law School. He has spent time as the director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, the  Advocates’ Society, was a member of the Supreme Court Advocacy Institute, as well as a trustee of the Canadian Business Law Journal.

He was born in Kenya and raised in England before coming to Canada, where he completed high school in Edmonton.

Former B.C. Attorney General Wally Oppal, who was the first person of colour on the BC Supreme Court bench, notes the importance of diversity in Canada’s institutions.

“All of our institutions have to diversify so as to reflect the general makeup of the population. In this case, this judge is well qualified, he’s been a top litigator in Ontario, he’s appeared at all levels of the court, he’s appeared as counsel before the Supreme Court of Canada. So from that perspective, I think it’s a very good appointment,” said Oppal, who also served as a BC Supreme Court judge in a time when representation was lacking.

“If any of our institutions are going to have credibility amongst the public, then in some general way, you have to reflect the diversity of the population. In Canada, we have a multi-cultural population, so I think this is a good appointment.”

Jamal would fill the vacancy on the top court created by the retiring Rosalie Abella, who was the first Jewish woman appointed.

The House of Commons justice committee will soon hold a special hearing on the nomination.