Yesterday, Justice Richard Wagner was sworn in as the newest Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.

Justice Wagner was first called to the Bench in 2004, as a member of the Quebec Superior Court. He was elevated to the Quebec Court of Appeal, and nominated by Prime Minister Harper in October of this year. He replaces Justice Marie Deschamps, who retired in August of this year.

Justice Wagner is bilingual - as is Justice Deschamps - leaving the balance of Francophones on the highest Court unchanged. The issue has been at the forefront for some time with recent appointments. Justice Wagner's appointment is not controversial for this reason.

What has changed, however, is the proportion of female Justices - down from four members, the Supreme Court now has only three female Justices and is a noticeable step back from the near equal representation on the bench.

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