Since 1968, every Canadian Province except Prince Edward Island has created a provincial judicial council, typically staffed by judges, lawyers, and laypersons, and exercising powers concerning the removal from office, and often the appointment, of provincial judges. Although judicial councils are now widespread, the details of composition and procedures show a surprising and enduring diversity. The development of judicial councils might be seen as part of a broader movement to professionalize the provincial judge. This in turn reflects the strategy of provincial governments to upgrade the structure and quality of provincial systems and services. Judicial councils are part of the effort to create an effective court system with growing jurisdiction and prestige, staffed by judges of increasing quality, all under provincial jurisdiction. The appendix details the composition of the various provincial judicial councils. 52 footnotes. (Author abstract modified)