Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on June 22, 2026, that Glenn Joyal, Chief Justice of Manitoba's superior court, will join the Supreme Court of Canada.Joyal fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Sheilah Martin on May 30.The appointment marks Carney's first nomination to Canada's highest court since becoming prime minister.Joyal had been widely viewed as a leading contender for the position, alongside Alberta King's Court Justice Anna Loparco.

His name has circulated for years as a potential Supreme Court candidate, particularly for one of the seats traditionally allocated to Western Canada.In 2017, Joyal applied for a Supreme Court vacancy, but later withdrew his candidacy because of his wife's health concerns.

In announcing the appointment, Carney praised Joyal's integrity, experience, and judgment, expressing confidence that he would serve Canadians with distinction on the country's highest judicial body.

Joyal is well known within Canada's legal community and has been an outspoken advocate on issues affecting the justice system, including judicial independence, access to justice for Indigenous peoples, and the expansion of French-language services in Manitoba courts.Earlier in 2026, Joyal publicly argued that judges should not hesitate to defend the independence and role of the judiciary.

He also issued a significant ruling finding that both the federal government and the Manitoba government had violated First Nations' self-governance rights in relation to child welfare matters.

His appointment is expected to bring extensive judicial experience and a strong record on constitutional and Indigenous issues to the Supreme Court of Canada.