Department of Justice Canada

Justice Canada Announces Protecting Victims Act, $50M Annual Funding for Victims

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Sean Fraser announced the Protecting Victims Act (Bill C-16) on April 22, 2026, describing it as one of the most consequential Criminal Code reforms in a generation to address intimate partner violence and femicide. The government currently provides approximately $50 million annually to support victims and survivors of crime, including $8.8M per year to provinces and territories for victim services and the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, $1M per year for anti-human trafficking NGOs, and $3.3M per year for child advocacy centres. The act responds to recommendations from the Mass Casualty Commission, the Renfrew County inquest, and the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime's systemic investigation into sexual violence.

Appoints Amiram Y. Kotler as Judge, Court of King's Bench of Manitoba

Justice Amiram Y. Kotler has been appointed a Judge of the Court of King's Bench of Manitoba in Winnipeg, effective March 27, 2026. Justice Kotler, formerly Crown Attorney at the Government of Manitoba, replaces Justice G.L. Chartier, who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective January 5, 2026. The appointment was made under the judicial application process established in 2016, which emphasizes transparency, merit, and diversity in judicial appointments. For parties practicing before the Court of King's Bench of Manitoba, this represents a change in judicial assignment. The appointment does not alter court procedures or legal standards but will affect case scheduling and assignment as the new judge assumes duties.

Mireille Pélissier-Simard Appointed to Superior Court of Quebec

Mireille Pélissier-Simard has been appointed as a Judge of the Superior Court of Quebec for the district of Québec, effective April 10, 2026. Justice Pélissier-Simard, previously Counsel and Family Mediator at Verdon Armanda Gauthier avocats since 2004, replaces Justice D. Dumais, who was appointed Senior Associate Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Quebec on November 8, 2025. The appointment was announced by the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, under the judicial application process established in 2016, which emphasizes transparency, merit, and diversity.

Four Judicial Appointments Announced in British Columbia

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced four judicial appointments to the Supreme Court of British Columbia on March 27, 2026. Delaram Jahani and Jacqueline G. McQueen were appointed from the Provincial Court of BC, while Michael P. Klein, K.C. and Brook J. Greenberg, K.C. were appointed from legal practice. These appointments fill vacancies created when Justices Warren, Mayer, Brundrett, and Francis were elevated to the Court of Appeal for British Columbia.

Five Judicial Appointments Announced in Ontario Superior Court

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announced five judicial appointments to the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario on March 27, 2026. Appointed were Justices Scott G. Pratt (Windsor), Cheryl C.M. Siran (Kenora), Constance Nielsen (Oshawa Family Court), Stephanie J. Ouellette (London Family Court), and Sean D.R. Heeley (Hamilton Family Court). Each appointment replaces a prior judge who either became a supernumerary judge or resigned, with effective dates ranging from March to November 2025.

Minister Announces Two Judicial Appointments in Quebec Province

Minister of Justice Sean Fraser announced two judicial appointments in Quebec on March 27, 2026. Justice Andres C. Garin was elevated from the Superior Court of Quebec to the Court of Appeal of Quebec in Montréal, replacing Justice M.J. Hogue who resigned effective February 1, 2026. Stéphane Richer, a partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, was appointed to fill Justice Garin's former position on the Superior Court of Quebec, effective March 25, 2026. These appointments were made under the 2016 judicial application process emphasizing transparency, merit, and diversity.