An order in council published in today’s Canada Gazette has put into force various amendments to among others, the Judges Act, and the Federal Courts Act to change the title of prothonotaries of the Federal Court and Tax Court of Canada from “prothonotary” to “associate judge”.

The amendments were part of the Budget Implementation Act, 2022, No. 1 that received royal asset in June. The order, published in today’s Canada Gazette, making these amendments come into force was dated September 23, 2022.

From the commentary:

Changing the title to “associate judge” is intended to provide clarity and be more broadly understood by court users. The title “prothonotary” is not well known and is often misunderstood. The title frequently confuses court users, who assume that prothonotaries are court clerks rather than judicial officers. The title is archaic, with roots in church hierarchy that are not related to the Federal Court.