April 25, 2023

Earlier today, (April 25), secondary school students from École secondaire catholique Champlain (Chelmsford) and École secondaire catholique l’Horizon (Val Caron) had the great honour of welcoming the Honorable Michelle O’Bonsawin, Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, during her visit to Greater Sudbury. Students from both schools took part in an informal presentation offered by Justice O’Bonsawin, a proud Abenaki and Franco-Ontarian. Justice O’Bonsawin shared with them an overview of her career and her personal and professional experiences that led to her appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Canada. She also encouraged the students to have the audacity to dream big.

This visit to two CSC Nouvelon secondary schools is a return to her roots for Justice O'Bonsawin, who completed her secondary studies at École secondaire catholique Champlain before pursuing her studies in law at the University of Ottawa and the Osgoode Hall Law School.

Originally from Hanmer and an Abenaki member of the Odanak First Nation, the Honorable Michelle O’Bonsawin is a widely respected member of Canada’s legal community. General Counsel for the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group for eight years, Justice O'Bonsawin was appointed to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Ottawa in 2017. On September 1, 2022, she was appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Canada, thus becoming the first Indigenous judge nominated to Canada’s top court. 

"We are very grateful to Justice O'Bonsawin for taking the time to meet with our students and share her experiences. I am confident that the opportunity to meet a Champlain graduate who went on to become a Supreme Court Justice will have a profound impact on our students who will be inspired by her perseverance and success. We are proud to see one of our former students make a name for herself on the national stage," said Paul Henry, CSC Nouvelon Director of Education and Secretary Treasurer. 

Alexie Blais, grade 11 student and Student Parliament Secretary at ÉSC Champlain, was thrilled to meet Justice O’Bonsawin “As a student at Champlain, it is inspiring to discover that Justice O’Bonsawin, who also attended my school and lived in Chelmsford, has been able to go so far in her career. It is motivating to know that we can also surpass ourselves and reach our dreams,” stated Alexie Blais. 

"It is amazing to know that the Honourable Michelle O’Bonsawin had always dreamed of a career in law and that she pursued this dream even though people told her that achieving this dream might not be possible. Knowing that Judge O’Bonsawin pursued her dreams with the help of many people is quite inspiring,” said Camie Gareau, grade 12 student and Prime Minister at ÉSC Champlain. 

“This presentation was very relevant since I intend to study law at university next year. I also feel inspired since Justice O’Bonsawin has Franco-Ontarian and First Nations heritage, while I identify as Franco-Ontarian and Métis. Without a doubt, this activity gave me a new perspective for my future career,” explained Émilie Denis-Plante, grade 12 student and Prime Minister at ÉSC l’Horizon. 

Justice O’Bonsawin has taught Indigenous law at the University of Ottawa’s Common Law Program and was previously responsible for the Indigenous Relations Program at the Royal Ottawa Health Services Group. She is a frequent speaker on Gladue principles, Indigenous issues, as well as mental health, labour, and privacy law.

The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon offers a French-language Catholic Educational Program that is widely recognized for its excellence. The CSC Nouvelon provides a quality learning environment and academic program that runs from early childhood to adult education, with some 5,900 students enrolled in 27 elementary, 1 virtual school and 10 secondary schools.

Source:
Paul de la Riva
Director of Communications and External Relations
Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon
705-673-5626, ext. 294
705-677-8195 (cell)