OTTAWA

Quebec judge Richard Wagner - who has presided over a number of high-profile cases including that of a former judge found guilty of murder - has been nominated to serve on Canada's top court.

If his nomination is confirmed, Wagner will replace Justice Marie Deschamps, who retired from the Supreme Court of Canada in August.

Wagner was appointed to the Superior Court of Quebec in 2004 and appointed to the Quebec Court of Appeal in February 2011. His father Claude, Quebec's first justice minister, ran in the 1976 Progressive Conservative leadership race but was defeated by Joe Clark.

"Justice Wagner's candidacy comes following a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process of his merit and commitment to legal excellence," Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement. "He is an exceptional candidate with the skills and qualifications needed to serve Canadians well."

Before the deal can be sealed, Wagner will face an ad hoc committee of parliamentarians Thursday to answer questions on his nomination and qualifications. A selection panel of five MPs from each party previously reviewed a list of candidates and reduced the pool to three before the government made its recommendation.

NDP justice critic Francoise Boivin says she believes Wagner will be an "excellent" addition to the court. Boivin says he is a strong judge who is bilingual. The NDP has called for all Supreme Court justices to speak both official languages.

But Queen's University law professor Kathy Lahey calls the recommendation of Wagner "disappointing" because it will reduce the number of female justices on the bench to three. She says sex equity should be "reflected in every institution in Canadian society."

"This reduces the diversity and equity reflected in the Court, and sends the message that the wisdom and expertise of women lawyers and judges is still not valued equally with that of men in 21st century Canada," Lahey said.

-with files from Jessica Murphy

Kristy.Kirkup@sunmedia.ca

On Twitter: @kkirkup