UWindsor dean of law Reem A. Bahdi has been appointed to the Independent Advisory Board for Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Appointments.

A non-partisan body, its mandate is to provide non-binding recommendations to the prime minister on judicial appointments to the Supreme Court of Canada.

“The Supreme Court of Canada is the backbone of our country’s judicial system and plays a critical role in our democracy. This is due in no small part to a long tradition of appointing only the most exceptional and deserving individuals to the court,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a media release. “I am confident that the respected minds sitting on the Independent Advisory Board will help continue this tradition and maintain the highest standards for Canada’s highest court.”

The advisory board consists of eight members, expected to observe the highest standards of impartiality, integrity, and objectivity in their consideration of all candidates over several weeks.

It is convened at the discretion of the prime minister. The board was previously called upon in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2021, resulting in the appointments of Justices Malcolm Rowe, Sheilah Martin, Nicholas Kasirer, and Mahmud Jamal.

The current vacancy arises out of the retirement of Justice Russell S. Brown. Applications closed on July 21.

Prof. Bahdi called her appointment “a tremendous privilege and a great responsibility.” She was nominated by the Council of Canadian Law Deans.

“Canadians need to be able to trust and respect the judiciary and I’m honoured to play an integral role on the board,” she said. “I will work hard and participate fully in the appointment process to ensure that strong candidates are presented for the prime minister’s consideration.”