Justice and Public Safety
December 5, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General:

Minister Parsons Recognizes Appointment of Justice Malcolm Rowe to the Supreme Court of Canada

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a historic event for our province; the appointment of the Honourable Mr. Justice Malcolm Rowe to the Supreme Court of Canada. Justice Rowe becomes the first jurist from Newfoundland and Labrador to be named to this illustrious bench, the highest court in the country.

This past Friday, I had the honour and privilege of joining Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin, federal Minister of Justice Jody Wilson-Raybould, Justice Rowe's family and friends and members of the justice and legal communities in honour of Justice Rowe's appointment.

Mr. Speaker, it has always been our view that Newfoundland and Labrador has eminently qualified jurists to serve on the Supreme Court of Canada. We advocated for the vacancy created with the retirement of Justice Cromwell to be filled by an appointment from our province. The merit-based approach for appointments has confirmed regional representation and reflects the beliefs of all Atlantic Canadians that this important convention be honoured.

Of course, convention aside, Justice Rowe is the best person for the job. He has a sharp mind and a wealth of experience. This was evident in his application and the question and answer session before the House of Commons Justice and Human Rights Committee and Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee.

Justice Rowe made Newfoundlanders and Labradorians proud as we watched intently during that session. His forthcoming decisions will help form the fabric of our country. For that, we will all benefit.

I ask all Honourable members to join me in congratulating and celebrating this remarkable achievement of Justice Rowe's appointment. We wish him well in this new endeavour.

Thank you.

2016 12 05             1:45 p.m.