The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced the following appointment under the judicial application process established in 2016. This process emphasizes transparency, merit, and the diversity of the Canadian population, and will continue to ensure the appointment of jurists who meet the highest standards of excellence and integrity.
Kirkland G. Shannon, Director General and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Law Commission of Canada in Ottawa, is appointed an associate judge of the Federal Court. Associate Judge Shannon replaces Associate Judge B. Duchesne who was elevated to the Federal Court effective September 20, 2024.
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"I wish Associate Judge Shannon every success as he takes on his new role. I am confident he will serve Canadians well as a member of the Federal Court."
-The Hon. Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Biography
Associate Judge Kirkland G. Shannon was born and raised in Montréal. He earned a B.A. from Queen's University, B.C.L/LL.B. degrees from McGill University, and an LL.M. from New York University. He was called to the Barreau du Québec and the Law Society of Ontario in 2009, and to the New York State Bar in 2010.
Associate Judge Shannon is fluently bilingual. He served as law clerk to Justice Louise Charron at the Supreme Court of Canada. He practiced law at Clifford Chance US LLP in New York before returning to Ottawa as legal counsel in the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. He then joined the Department of Justice Canada's National Litigation Sector, appearing on behalf of the Attorney General of Canada in civil, constitutional and administrative law matters. He later joined the Public Prosecution Service of Canada as a federal crown prosecutor before returning to his litigation practice as Senior Counsel at the Department of Justice Canada. Prior to his appointment, he served as Director General and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Law Commission of Canada.
Associate Judge Shannon has taught multiple courses as an adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law and has been an active contributor to legal education and mentoring in the Department of Justice Canada. He served as chair of the Ottawa Fringe Festival board of directors and as a board member of the Ottawa Arts Council.
Associate Judge Shannon enjoys volunteering as a minor hockey league coach in Ottawa. He is grateful for the support of his family, his wonderful spouse Tara and their two incredible sons, Zachary and Olivier.
