Update in the work of the Canadian Judicial Council Inquiry Committee regarding Associate Chief Justice Lori Douglas

Ottawa, 6 December 2011 - Further to information released on 7 September 2011, the Canadian Judicial Council is providing an update about the Inquiry Committee constituted to review the conduct of Associate Chief Justice Lori Douglas of the Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench.

The Committee has been active since it was constituted in accordance with Council's By-laws. Of note, Mr Guy Pratte, in his role as Independent Counsel, has been working on a number of fronts to ensure he can fully discharge his mandate and assist in presenting the case to the Inquiry Committee. This work is unfolding in a manner that fully respects principles of fairness for all involved.

Council has also been advised that Chief Justice Warren Winkler has decided to withdraw from the Committee, for reasons of competing judicial demands at the Ontario Court of Appeal. Accordingly, Chief Justice Neil Wittmann, the Vice-chairperson of the Judicial Conduct Committee responsible for making appointments to the Inquiry Committee, has designated the Honourable Derek Green, Chief Justice of Newfoundland and Labrador, with immediate effect, as a new Council member who will sit on the Committee along with the other four members already in place.

This change in membership will not adversely affect the ongoing work of the Committee. Council will provide information about the committee's work as it unfolds.

Information about the Council, including the process for public inquiries, can be found on the Council's website at www.cjc-ccm.gc.ca.

Contact: 
Norman Sabourin
Executive Director and Senior General Counsel
(613) 288-1566 ext 302