Bill S-20

SUMMARY

This enactment provides for increased transparency and objectivity in the selection of suitable individuals to be named to certain high public positions in Canada.

It establishes a nominations committee of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada to develop public selection criteria and procedures and provides a process for identifying and assessing candidates. It also provides that any persons who are elected as Senate nominees in a province must be included among those to be assessed by the Committee as potential candidates for Senate appointment.

With respect to appointments to the Senate, the enactment provides for provincial and territorial premiers to select individuals for appointment from a short list comprised of candidates recommended as eligible for appointment to the Senate by the nominations committee.

With respect to appointments to other positions, the enactment provides for parliamentary review. Appointments to the positions of Chief Justice of Canada, Lieutenant Governor of a province and Commissioner of a territory, and appointments to the Supreme Court of Canada, must be reviewed. Appointments to the Federal Court of Canada and to the superior courts in the provinces may be reviewed.