By Angela Brown

Poundmaker Cree Nation member Favel appointed as federal judge

Dec 1, 2017 | 4:00 PM

Poundmaker Cree Nation band council is proud to see band member Paul Favel has been appointed a judge of the Federal Court.

Favel was a partner with the Saskatoon firm McKercher LLP prior to the appointment to the court, which is effective Dec. 11

Justice Favel will replace Justice J. Russell who has elected to become a supernumerary judge.

“It’s outstanding,” said Poundmaker band councillor Brandon Favel, nephew of Paul Favel. “We’re happy for Paul in his new position. He’s worked hard his whole life to get to where he is at, and now he’s recognized.” 

Brandon Favel, who spoke with his uncle Paul Friday morning, said Paul will be moving to Ottawa to start his new role soon. 

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“He’s overwhelmed by the amount of support he is getting for his new position,” said Brandon.

Federal Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada Jody Wilson-Raybould made the announcement Wednesday.

Favel’s appointment comes under the federal government’s new judicial application process, focusing on transparency, merit and diversity, and continuing to ensure jurists are appointed who meet “the highest standards of excellence and integrity,” the Federal Department of Justice said in its statement.   

Paul Favel was a Poundmaker Cree Nation band councillor from 2012-2013, and is closely connected to his community, and makes regular visits. 

In his work as a lawyer, Favel has specialized in Aboriginal law, focusing on corporate and commercial law concerning First Nations development.

In this role, he acted as legal counsel for a number of First Nations, providing advice on a range of matters, including land designations, land claims and self-government negotiations.   

Justice Favel served as Deputy Chief Commissioner with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission since 2011.

He has also been a member of the Oversight Committee on the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement since 2010.

Favel has also taught First Nations economic development at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law. 

He received a B.A. from the University of Saskatchewan, and a law degree from Dalhousie University, and is a member of both the Saskatchewan and the Nova Scotia Bars.

Justice Favel was appointed Queen’s Counsel for Saskatchewan in 2010.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

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