Overview of Federal Judicial Appointments

Introduction

The federal judicial appointments process has been in place since 1988. It continues to be revised on the basis of ongoing operational experience. The Guide for Candidates describes the process with revisions to date and is intended for those interested in submitting their candidacies for appointment, or in nominating others as candidates.

This Guide applies to the appointment of judges of the superior courts of every province and territory, the courts of appeal, the Federal Court of Appeal, the Federal Court and the Tax Court of Canada.

IMPORTANT:

  • The application process and required documentation were recently updated in September 2022.
  • All candidates seeking a federal judicial appointment MUST submit their application using the September 2022 Questionnaire, Authorization Form, and Background Check Consent Form pursuant to the new application process.
  • The requirement to submit a new application using the September 2022 Questionnaire, Authorization Form and Background Check Consent Form applies REGARDLESS of whether a lawyer, or provincial or territorial court judge has previously applied.
  • Please DO NOT provide letters of reference or a separate curriculum vitae.

For your convenience, the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs Canada has made available on its website, the necessary forms to assist you in submitting your candidacy. Before completing and returning these forms, you should familiarize yourself with all the sections in this Guide, as described in the Process for an Application for Appointment and Considerations which Apply to an Application for Appointment .

NOTE: Application Packages will be reviewed by the Judicial Advisory Committees in order of receipt. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that his or her Application Package is complete and that all materials have been successfully delivered to the OCFJA. Incomplete Application Packages may not be considered by the Judicial Advisory Committees.

In order to respond to the urgent needs of a court and to ensure the proper administration of justice, the order in which applications are assessed may be changed in exceptional circumstances.

Any inquiries for additional information should be addressed to:

Philippe Lacasse
Executive Director, Judicial Appointments
Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs Canada
99 Metcalfe Street, 8th floor
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 1E3.
Tel. (613) 992-9400
1-877-583-4266 (toll free)
Fax (613) 941-0607