With everything else going on these days, few Canadians probably noticed when the country’s most prominent legal advocacy group condemned the Trudeau government for the way it appoints judges.
That’s a pity, because the problem identified in an open letter from the Canadian Bar Association earlier this month is a big one. It threatens to undermine not only the faith Canadians have in their country’s justice system but the integrity of the system itself.
The specific practice the bar association zeroed in on was the federal government’s “political vetting of candidates,” which at the very least raises fears that Liberal politicians are quietly rewarding Liberal friends — and in a way that could influence the justice system.
It works like this. As part of its extensive vetting process for would-be-judges, the federal government uses the Liberal Party of Canada’s private database, which is called the Liberalist.
This list tells the government how much, if anything, a judicial candidate has contributed to the Liberal party and also states whether and when someone was a Liberal party member. If they participated in electoral campaigns or leadership races, that information is conveyed to the government, too.
The bottom line is the Liberalist lets the government know exactly how Liberal-friendly a candidate is. And therein lies the failing the Canadian Bar Association is railing against. There’s nothing untoward, for instance, about a lawyer contributing financially to one or more political parties. But such generosity should never be a factor in deciding whether that lawyer becomes a judge.
Public trust in Canada’s justice system largely relies upon having judges who are informed, fair — and apolitical. But thanks to the use of the Liberalist, the federal government’s current process for appointing judges is “open to speculation about political interference,” the bar association said in its letter, adding: “It is time to make the system less open to manipulation.”
A lot of people agree. Last week, the citizen’s group Democracy Watch filed a challenge of the appointment process in the federal court, alleging it is undermining the independence of the judicial system. Before that, former Liberal justice minister Jody Wilson-Raybould confirmed in a recent interview that there was political pressure in the selection of new judges. And last year, Francois Landry, a Liberal official in the office of Justice Minister David Lametti, claimed the prime minister’s office was playing an unreasonable role in judicial appointments.
It shouldn’t be too hard for Canadians to agree there’s a problem that needs fixing, one that could politicize judicial appointments for social engineering purposes. After all, many Canadians were as outraged as their American neighbours when U.S. President Donald Trump succeeded in having staunch social conservative Amy Coney Barrett appointed as the nation’s new Supreme Court justice. Trump’s actions were widely criticized, not only because they came just before the election he ended up losing but because he was consolidating a conservative majority on America’s highest court that will likely last and influence the country for a generation.
Of course, American judicial appointments have long been politicized in a way that remains foreign to Canada. Moreover, when it comes to political pressure in Canadian appointments, a remedy may be on the way.
In the next few weeks, the House of Commons justice committee is expected to launch a study of the judicial appointment process. We wish it success. There are many vital qualifications every aspiring Canadian judge should possess. Being an identifiably staunch supporter of the Liberal Party of Canada should not be on that list.
New Brunswick voters have elected a Liberal majority government, tossing out the incumbent Progressive Conservatives after six years in power and handing the reins to the first woman ever to lead the province. Liberal Leader Susan Holt spent much of the campaign rolling out proposed fixes for a health-care system racked by a doctor shortage, overcrowded emergency rooms and long wait-times. She promised to open 30 community health clinics across the province by 2028. (Oct. 22, 2024)
Susan Holt has made history in New Brunswick by becoming the first woman to serve as the leader of the province’s Liberal Party, a significant milestone in the province’s political landscape. Holt’s leadership victory signals a new era of representation, gender equality, and change in the region, which has long been dominated by male politicians.
Holt’s journey to the top has been one of perseverance and dedication. Before entering politics, she built a distinguished career in the private sector, where she held numerous leadership positions. Her experience in business development and public policy has equipped her with the skills needed to navigate the complex world of politics.
In a province where women have historically been underrepresented in politics, Holt’s election represents a watershed moment. Women’s involvement in leadership roles has been steadily increasing nationwide, but New Brunswick, like many parts of Canada, has seen slower progress in achieving gender parity. Holt’s rise to the top of the Liberal Party not only shatters a glass ceiling but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aiming for political leadership.
As the leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, Holt has laid out a vision of inclusivity and progress. Her policies focus on economic development, healthcare reform, environmental sustainability, and addressing social issues that have plagued the province. She has also emphasized the importance of transparent governance and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, making her platform both modern and forward-thinking.
Holt’s leadership arrives at a time when many voters are calling for change, especially in the face of challenges like economic uncertainty and the need for healthcare improvements. She aims to bring fresh ideas to tackle these issues while ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, have a voice in government decisions.
Susan Holt joins the ranks of other trailblazing women across Canada who have led provincial parties and governments. Women like former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Ontario’s Kathleen Wynne have paved the way, and now Holt is contributing to this growing legacy of female political leadership in Canada.
Her achievement highlights not only the growing number of women entering politics but also the demand for leaders who can bring diverse perspectives to the table. In a field often dominated by entrenched traditions, Holt’s election is a step toward a more inclusive and representative political landscape in New Brunswick.
Holt’s leadership signals a broader shift in Canadian politics, where more women and diverse voices are gaining prominence. For young women across the country, her rise serves as a powerful reminder that leadership roles are within reach, even in traditionally male-dominated spheres.
With her election, Susan Holt has proven that perseverance, skill, and a vision for change can break even the toughest barriers. Her leadership will not only reshape New Brunswick’s political future but also inspire others across Canada to pursue leadership positions and continue to challenge the status quo.
NDP Leader Carla Beck has two planned campaign events today, starting the day with an availability in Moose Jaw and then later this evening attending an event in the capital with the Regina Medical Staff Association.
Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe, meanwhile, will speak in Prince Albert at the start of Voting Week in the province.
Saskatchewan residents can vote for five days starting today in the lead-up to next week’s provincial election, although polls won’t be open Sunday.
The NDP and the Saskatchewan Party are urging voters to cast their ballots early.
Voters can find their polling stations on their information cards or by visiting the Elections Saskatchewan website.
Chief electoral officer Michael Boda says there are about 810,000 registered voters in Saskatchewan.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.
