On October 8, in Marrakech, Morocco, at a ceremony under the patronage of His Majesty Mohammad VI, the King of Morocco, the 2003 Justice Prize of the Peter Gruber Foundation was awarded to two distinguished Canadian judges who are also long-time members and supporters of ICJ Canada. The Hon. Rosalie Abella of the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Hon. Bertha Wilson, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada share this prestigious award in recognition of their commitment to and passion for social justice, equality, and human rights.
Justices Wilson and Abella were selected as the recipients of this year's Justice Prize by the Foundation's Justice Advisory Board, which consists of seven eminent international jurists and attorneys, including Sir Anthony Gubbay, former Chief Justice of Zimbabwe and the first winner of the Justice Prize, who was the guest of ICJ Canada in August 2001. The Hon. Claire L'Heureux-Dubé, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada and former President of the International Commission of Jurists, was on hand at the award ceremony to introduce Justice Abella, who accepted the Prize on behalf of both winners. Madam Justice L'Heureux-Dubé's remarks included her tribute to the two jurists as individuals who "are inspiring, principled, independent, impartial, and true to the fundamental values of our society. They represent the best in the legal profession, and their jurisprudence and writings have made an immense difference both in our country and in our world, particularly in their understanding, interpretation, and application of the notion of equality, which is a fundamental tenet of justice for all."
The citation from the Peter Gruber Foundation announcing Justices Wilson and Abella as this year's winners states, "Madam Justices Wilson and Abella have broken barriers limiting participation of women in the legal system and enriched jurisprudence in Canada and beyond with their innovative vision and technique. They have advanced the jurisprudence of equality and developed concepts of public responsibility for promoting human rights. They have highlighted the need to overcome discrimination against groups subjected to historic and systemic disadvantage. As exemplary advocates for justice, they have, by their judicial work and their activity in the public realm, served as inspirational figures to present and future generations."
Peter Gruber, creator of the foundation that bears his name, spoke warmly of the vision and courage Justices Wilson and Abella have shown throughout their careers. "In all respects," he said, "they are an inspiration for the selfless contributions they have made to the cause of international justice and the rule of law."
In their own responses to receiving the award, Justices Wilson and Abella were characteristically modest and understated. "It was an unexpected and wonderful surprise when I learned I was to be given the distinguished Peter Gruber Justice Award," Justice Wilson commented. "But I was doubly honoured to share this prize with my good friend Justice Abella, whom I have known and greatly admired for many years."
For her part, Justice Abella remarked, "I've felt so honoured to be included in this prize with someone I so deeply admire, Bertha Wilson."
ICJ Canada is enormously proud of Bertha Wilson and Rosalie Abella, who are so unquestionably deserving of this award in recognition of their many contributions in Canada and abroad.
 Driss Dahak, Chief Justice of Morocco, presents Justice Rosalie Abella the Peter Gruber Justice Prize. Background: Patricia and Peter Gruber. |
