ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Newfoundland's justice minister says it's high time his province had a representative on the Supreme Court of Canada.

Jerome Kennedy says he has already discussed the matter with his federal counterpart. The impending retirement of Justice Michel Bastarache means Ottawa will have to name a new justice from the Atlantic region.

Kennedy says since joining Canada in 1949 his province has never had representation on the most important court in the country.

Prince Edward Island is in a similar position.