Mary Gleason appointed chief justice of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appointed Mary J L Gleason as the new chief justice of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada.

Justice Gleason, currently serving on the Federal Court of Appeal and the Court Martial Appeal Court, will replace Justice B Richard Bell, who retired effective October 30, 2023. Gleason was first appointed to the Federal Court in 2011 and has served on the Court Martial Appeal Court since 2013. She joined the Federal Court of Appeal in 2015.

Justice Gleason’s legal career began at Norton Rose LLP (formerly Ogilvy Renault LLP), where she practised labour and employment law. She joined the firm in 1986 as an associate, became a partner in 1993, and later held management positions, including co-managing partner of the firm’s Ottawa office.

In addition to her legal practice, Justice Gleason was actively involved in professional organizations, serving as a founding member and past president of the Canadian Association of Counsel to Employers (CACE). She has frequently lectured at the University of Ottawa and presented papers at various legal conferences.

Justice Gleason is fluently bilingual and recognized as a leading practitioner in labour and employment law. She served on the Canada Industrial Relations Board's client consultation committee and was involved with the Federal Court’s labour law, human rights, privacy, and access review liaison group.

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Gleason spent much of her early life in Calgary before pursuing higher education. She graduated from the University of Ottawa in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in History (Honours) and earned her Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University in 1984. She was admitted to the bar of Ontario in 1986.

Justice Gleason’s appointment is expected to bring extensive experience and leadership to her new role as chief justice of the Court Martial Appeal Court, which handles appeals involving members of Canada’s military.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised Justice Gleason’s extensive experience and reputation in the legal community. “The Honourable Mary J L Gleason is a highly respected member of Canada’s legal community. As she takes on her new role as chief justice of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada, I wish her continued success. I know she brings a wealth of experience to the position and will continue to serve Canadians well,” said the Prime Minister.