Canadian Judicial Council completes review of matter involving the Honourable Charles C. Chang

Ottawa, October 10, 2024 – A review panel constituted by the Canadian Judicial Council (Council) has completed its review and reached a decision in a matter involving Justice Charles C. Chang of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The matter stemmed from a complaint made by a member of the public regarding Justice Chang’s behaviour during a family law hearing. The complainant alleged that Justice Chang was verbally abusive and intimidating during the hearing.

Following a thorough consideration of the matter, the review panel concluded that the removal of Justice Chang from office was not justified in the circumstances. However, pursuant to section 102 of the Judges Act, the review panel ordered Justice Chang to engage in coaching with a senior judge for a duration and frequency considered appropriate by his Chief Justice, and the panel also took an action of a private nature.

The Review Panel was comprised of the Honourable Associate Chief Justice Kenneth G. Nielsen of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, the Honourable Justice Johanna Price of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, and a member of the public, Ms. Julia Pavlenko.

A copy of the review panel’s full decision can be accessed from the Council’s website.

Disposition of Complaints

Once a complaint has been screened in by a screening officer and referred to a reviewing member, the reviewing member has the option of dismissing the complaint or referring it to the Council to establish a review panel.

If the complaint is referred to a review panel, the panel can either:

determine that the judge in question’s removal from office could be justified, at which point Council would establish a hearing panel to decide on the matter; dismiss the complaint; or, take one or more of the actions listed in section 102 of the Judges Act.

About the Canadian Judicial Council

The Council was created in 1971 by the Canadian Parliament to maintain and improve the quality of judicial services in Canada's superior courts. It has the power and duty to ensure the proper conduct of federally appointed judges. The Council also provides judges with a continuing education program and ethical principles, as well as other tools to assist judges in preserving and protecting public confidence in the judicial system.

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Contact :
Krista Ferraro
Director of Communications and Strategic Issues Management
Canadian Judicial Council
info@cjc-ccm.ca