By The Canadian Press

Justice minister defends judicial appointment process after Alberta funding threat

Feb 4, 2026 | 9:29 AM

OTTAWA — Justice Minister Sean Fraser says judicial appointments must be made without political influence after Alberta’s premier suggested she could withhold funding without more input on the selection of judges.

Premier Danielle Smith said in a letter to the prime minister that she wants the province to be consulted on future appointments to Alberta’s Court of King’s Bench, the Alberta Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.

Fraser says he will maintain the current process, noting it’s essential for judges to make decisions without fear and without seeking the favour of those who have power over appointments.

He says protecting that independence involves ensuring there are no “political threats about the resources that are going to be made available.”

Fraser says the current process works well and includes independent advisory committees that factor in feedback from provinces.

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The federal government appoints and pays the judges serving on superior courts in Alberta, but the province pays for support staff, including judicial assistants, legal counsel, sheriffs and court clerks, as well as furniture, cellphones and computers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 4, 2026.

Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press