Role of the Court

The Canadian Judicial System

Court Building

Creation and Beginnings of the Court

Judges of the Court

About the Judges

Current Judges

Current and Former Chief Justices

Current and Former Puisne Judges

Speeches

Administration of the Court

Supreme Court of Canada Mission and Objectives

SCC Bibliography

Employment Opportunities

Planning Documents

Performance Reports

Proactive Disclosure

About the Court

Judges of the Court

The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C.
Chief Justice of Canada

View image details
of the Rt. Hon. Beverley McLachlin, P.C.

Madam Chief Justice McLachlin, B.A., M.A. (philosophy), LL.B. Born in Pincher Creek, Alberta, September 7, 1943. Widow of Roderick McLachlin. Married to Mr. Frank E. McArdle, Feb. 1992. One child: Angus. Educated at University of Alberta, M.A., 1968; LL.B., 1968; University of British Columbia, LL.D. (Hon.), 1990; University of Alberta, LL.D. (Hon.), 1991; University of Toronto, LL.D. (Hon.), 1995; York University, LL.D. (Hon.), 1999; Law Society of Upper Canada, LL.D. (Hon.), 2000; University of Ottawa, LL.D. (Hon.), 2000; University of Calgary, LL.D. (Hon.), 2000; Brock University, LL.D. (Hon.), 2000; Simon Fraser University, LL.D. (Hon.), 2000; University of Victoria, LL.D. (Hon.), 2000; University of Alberta, LL.D. (Hon.), 2000; University of Lethbridge, LL.D. (Hon.), 2001; Bridgewater State College, LL.D. (Hon.), 2001; Mount Saint Vincent University, LL.D. (Hon.), 2002; University of Prince Edward Island, LL.D. (Hon.), 2002; University of Montreal, LL.D. (Hon.), 2003; University ot Manitoba, LL.D. (Hon.), 2004; Queen's University Belfast, LL.D. (Hon.), 2004; Dalhousie University, LL.D. (Hon.), 2004; Carleton University, LL.D. (Hon.), 2004; University of Maine at Fort Kent, LL.D. (Hon.), 2005. Called to the Bar of Alberta, 1969, and to the Bar of British Columbia, 1971. Practised law with Wood, Moir, Hyde and Ross, Edmonton, 1969-71, with Thomas, Herdy, Mitchell & Co., Fort St. John, B.C., 1971-72, and with Bull, Housser & Tupper, Vancouver, 1972-75. Lecturer, Associate Professor and Professor with tenure at the University of British Columbia, 1974-81. Numerous publications. Appointed to the County Court of Vancouver, April 9, 1981, to the Supreme Court of British Columbia, September 8, 1981, and to the Court of Appeal of British Columbia, December 5, 1985. Appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, September 7, 1988. Appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, March 30, 1989. Appointed Chief Justice of Canada, January 7, 2000. Chairperson, Canadian Judicial Council. Chairperson, Advisory Council of the Order of Canada. Chairperson, Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute. Member of the Privy Council of Canada.