OTTAWA, May 2, 2007 – The Honourable Robert Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, made the following statement on the death of the Honourable Bertha Wilson:
"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I wish to express my sincerest condolences to the family and friends of former Supreme Court of Canada Justice, the Honourable Bertha Wilson, who passed away on April 28 th, 2007.
"As a highly respected member of the judiciary who had a deep knowledge and respect for the law, Bertha Wilson is perhaps best remembered for breaking ground as the first woman appointed to the Court of Appeal for Ontario in 1975, and again in 1982, when she became the first woman named to the Supreme Court of Canada.
"A pioneer for human rights and the advancement of women, Bertha Wilson's contributions to Canadian society were exemplary. Her decisions helped to shape Canadians' understanding of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and spoke to important social issues such as mandatory retirement and family law property.
"She is remembered for her innovative legal mind, commitment to fairness, as well as her sense of humour and generous spirit that were welcomed by her colleagues on the court. She will be sorely missed by those privileged to have known her."
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Ref.:
Geneviève Breton
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621
Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207
