Summary

This bill increases the number of Saskatchewan Court of Appeal judges from six to seven, requires judges to reside in Regina unless the chief justice consents to their residing in Saskatoon (up to a maximum set by regulation), and removes Humboldt from the definition of northern judicial centres.

The Court of Appeal (Residency) Amendment Act, 2024 makes three main changes to Saskatchewan's highest court. First, it adds one more judge to the Court of Appeal, bringing the total from six judges plus the chief justice to seven judges plus the chief justice. Second, it establishes residency rules: all judges must live in Regina unless the chief justice gives permission for them to live in Saskatoon, with the maximum number allowed in Saskatoon to be set later by regulation. Once a judge is approved to live in Saskatoon, they cannot be forced to move back to Regina without their consent. Third, it removes Humboldt from the list of northern judicial centres, leaving Battleford, Melfort, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon. The bill also makes technical wording changes and clarifies that judges who leave the court can still issue decisions on cases they heard within six months of their departure.