The Supreme Court of Canada has another vacancy with the looming retirement of Justice Marie Deschamps.
Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin announced today that Deschamps will retire on Aug. 7, 2012. Her departure follows the retirements of justices Ian Binnie and Louise Charron last year. The government has since filled their vacancies with the appointments of justices Michael Moldaver and Andromache Karakatsanis.
“Justice Deschamps has made a very significant contribution to the Supreme Court and, more broadly, to the administration of justice in Canada,” said McLachlin. “We will miss her wisdom, intelligence, keen wit, and boundless energy. She has been a wonderful colleague and will always be a good friend.”
For her part, Deschamps hinted that she’s ready to explore other opportunities in life.
“I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to participate in the work of the court,” she said. “I will leave behind a group of empathetic, respectful, and dedicated judges. After 37 years working mostly in courtrooms, including 22 years on the bench, I feel that it is time to explore other ways to be of service to society. There is much to do in so many areas.”
Deschamps has been on the top court bench since 2002. She had previously served on the Quebec Court of Appeal and the Quebec Superior Court.
