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John C. Major




Major received a Bachelor Of Commerce degree from Loyola College in 1953 and a Bachelor Of Law degree from the University Of Toronto in 1957. He was appointed a Queen's Counsel in 1972. He practiced law as a partner in the Calgary office of Bennett Jones LLP for 34 years. From 1975 to 1985, he was the Senior Counsel for the City of Calgary Police Service . He was appointed to the Court Of Appeal Of Alberta on July 11, 1991.


SUPREME COURT

On November 13 , 1992 he was appointed to the Supreme Court Of Canada , by Prime Minister Brian Mulroney . During much of his time of the Court he was a comparatively low-key judge. He was known for his belief in providing deference to government and for his particularly succinct writing style.

Justice Major's term was to expire in February 2006 , however, he decided to step down on December 25, 2005.


POST COURT

On January 5, 2006, he rejoined the Calgary office of Bennett Jones LLP, the firm he practised law for before being appointed a judge.

On March 8, he was appointed by Prime Minister Harper to lead a Commission to investigate the Air India Bombing and its trial.


REFERENCES

  • Supreme Court of Canada

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