The Canadian Judicial Council notes with sadness the passing of the Honourable Roy McMurtry

The Canadian Judicial Council notes with sadness the passing of the Honourable Roy McMurtry

Ottawa, March 21,  2022 - Members of the Canadian Judicial Council were saddened to hear of the passing of their former colleague, the Honourable Roy McMurtry, who was a valued member of the Council for 16 years.  Chief Justice McMurtry became a member of the Council upon his appointment as Associate Chief Justice of the Ontario Superior Court in 1991, and served with distinction until his retirement as Chief Justice of Ontario in 2007. During his time on the Council, Chief Justice McMurtry was active on several committees including the Executive Committee, the Judicial Conduct Committee, and the Public Information Committee. Of note, Chief Justice McMurtry sat on the Judicial Independence Committee for 9 consecutive years, two of which as Chair, and led a project that, to this day, continues to ensure respect for judicial independence in court administration.

“Chief Justice McMurtry was widely known for his many contributions to Canadian society. At the Canadian Judicial Council, he was a consensus builder and a leader deeply committed to advancing principles of equality, fairness and social justice. He will be missed.”, noted Chief Justice Richard Wagner, Chairperson of the Canadian Judicial Council.

On behalf of all its members, Council extends its sympathy to the family and friends of Chief justice McMurtry.