Tulloch is the first CABL president in this position
The Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) has applauded Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s appointment of Honourable Michael Tulloch, calling it “of seismic importance” as the first Black Canadian takes on the role of the Chief Justice of Ontario and the President of the Court of Appeal for Ontario.
Tulloch was sworn in last month to replace Honourable George Strathy, who retired in August 2022.
“The appointment of Chief Justice Tulloch is significant to Canada and the legal profession because representation matters,” CABL wrote in a statement. “Members of the Black community continue to be disproportionately overrepresented in a criminal justice system staffed with judges who do not reflect their communities and lived experiences. Members of the Black community are also disproportionately under-represented in the practice of law.”
Tulloch has a long history of making a name in the Black legal community, starting with his service as CABL’s president from 2001 to 2003.
He left his tenure to become the first CABL president to be appointed to the bench, first as the judge of the Superior Court of Justice for Ontario in 2003 and later to the Court of Appeal for Ontario in 2012. The latter position makes him the first Black Canadian to sit on any appellate court in Canada, according to the CABL statement.
Now, he is also the first Black Canadian to be named Chief Justice of Ontario and President of the Court of Appeal for Ontario while supporting CABL from where he sits.
Beyond his involvement in CABL, he was a founding member and a patron of the Second Chance Scholarship Foundation and Chair of the Advisory Board of the Black Business and Professional Association. He received an honorary degree from the Law Society of Ontario for his work.
“Chief Justice Tulloch has demonstrated a commitment to creating a more equitable society throughout his career,” the CABL wrote. “We look forward to your continued leadership in the legal profession and broader community.”
