Starting December 11, Favel will assist the National Court in hearing and deciding disputes arising within Canada`s central government. Justice Favel stressed the need for patience and urged the federal government to pursue “aggressive timelines” to make the justice system more diverse. Saskatchewan judges may have been overlooked in appointments to the Supreme Court of Canada this year, but a First Nations provincial man was announced as a federal judge this week. Paul Favel, a member of the Poundmaker Cree Nation and a former partner at McKercher LLP in Saskatoon, was appointed a federal judge Wednesday by Canada`s Department of Justice in Ottawa. Congratulations to Paul Favel (LLB `95), QC, Partner at McKercher LLP in Saskatoon, on his appointment as a judge of the Federal Supreme Court, effective December 11. He became Judge J. Russell, who decided to become a supernumerary judge. He will replace Justice James Russell, who will become a surplus judge – a retired judge who still works part-time. Chief Commissioner David Arnot supports the former Deputy Commissioner`s view.
“Paul was a strong advocate for human rights in our province, providing an important perspective on some of the most dynamic issues facing our province and helping to transform the commission,” said Arnot. Judge Favel was appointed to the Federal Supreme Court in 2017. He became only the second Indigenous judge of the Federal Court in Canadian history. Favel received a law degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax. He has also specialized in Aboriginal law with a focus on First Nations development in corporate and commercial law. Since 2016, Justice Favel holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan and a law degree from Dalhousie University in Saskatchewan from among 239 judges appointed by the Canadian government. A member of the bars of Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, he was appointed Queen`s Counsel for Saskatchewan in 2010. Federal Court Justice and former Chief Deputy Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, Paul Favel, Q.C., recently discussed in the News the need for greater diversity in Canada`s justice system. In a June 30 report by CBC, Justice Favel said Canada`s judiciary is slowly diversifying, but believes the country needs a justice system that better reflects the country`s racial and cultural diversity. As a member of Poundmaker Cree Nation, Justice Favel has strong ties to his community. David Arnot, chief commissioner of the SHRC, worked with Favel for 25 years, including Favel`s time on the commission, and congratulated him in a press release.
Mr. Favel has been Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission since 2011 and a member of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement Oversight Committee since 2010. Prior to his appointment, effective December 11, 2017, Mr. Favel was a partner at McKercher LLP in Saskatoon, specializing in Indigenous law with a focus on corporate and commercial law in the context of First Nations economic development. In this capacity, he acted as legal counsel to various First Nations and advised on issues such as land designations, leases for commercial development, land claims and self-government negotiations. Justice Favel was Assistant Chief Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission and a member of the Oversight Committee established under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. He also lectured on a course on First Nations economic development at the University of Saskatchewan`s Faculty of Law. Poundmaker Cree Nation is located approximately 175 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon. “Meaningful and effective change does not happen overnight,” said Chief Commissioner Arnot, “but it is imperative that change happens. The more diverse and representative the Canadian judiciary becomes, the better it will be able to serve the country and its citizens. The Commission welcomes Paul`s position on this issue.
Originally from Saskatchewan, he understands that our provincial motto – many peoples, strength – is more than just a saying. It has substance. Institutions, organizations and communities across the country are stronger when they embrace diversity and equity.
