ALJI Featured on Global News

August 5, 2026

Will van Engen of Alberta Lawyers for Judicial Independence spoke to Global News about the upcoming referendum and concerning comments by the government about the integrity of judges.

Mr. van Engen reminded viewers that while the separatism question is important, the other nine questions are important too. This includes Question #6, which asks whether the Constitution of Canada should be amended to remove the federal government’s traditional role in appointing some judges in the province.

Historically, the role of judicial appointments has been a shared responsibility, with the provincial government appointing Justices of the Peace and judges of the Court of Justice. These courts hear the overwhelming majority of criminal cases and nearly all bail applications. The federal government appoints judges of the superior trial court (Court of King’s Bench) and Court of Appeal.