New Supreme Court justice

Prime Minister Stephen Harper Wednesday has formally appointed Justice Marshall Rothstein as the newest member of Canada's Supreme Court.

I confess I know a lot about picking the U.S. SC justices, but not so much about Canada's process. I do know it was the first time in Canadian history a nominee to the Supreme Court was subject to a 12-member all-party committee.

As part of his accountability strategy, Harper has said the new system would make the entire process more transparent and offer greater accountability. Critics — including members of Canada's legal profession — have warned such a practice would politicize the process.

Rothstein, a 65-year-old Winnipeg jurist, also shows a contrast. Nobody in the U.S. would pick someone as old as Rothstein. Not so much because of age, but it's seen politically as picking someone who will be on the court longer. I think it's great to pick a 65-year-old because you know they are there for what they can bring to the court now, not 10 years from now.

Plus, there wasn't a huge amount of bickering in the process, a refreshing change of pace.