Canadian Judicial Council recommends that Justice Robin Camp be removed from office
Ottawa, 9 March 2017 – Further to a public inquiry conducted under the Judges Act, the Canadian Judicial Council has now completed its review of the conduct of the Honourable Robin Camp. That review resulted in a Report to the Ministerrecommending that Justice Camp be removed from office. In accordance with s.13 of the Council’s By-laws, the Judge was provided with a copy of the Report and its conclusions presented to the Minister.
In its Report, Council noted that Canadians expect their judges to know the law and to possess empathy and to recognize and question any past personal attitudes that might prevent them from acting fairly. Judges are expected to demonstrate knowledge of social issues, and awareness of changes in social values, humility, tolerance and respect for others. Those are the very qualities that sustain public confidence in the judiciary. Council decided that the judge’s conduct, viewed in its totality and in light of all of its consequences, was so manifestly and profoundly destructive of the concept of impartiality, integrity and independence of the judicial role that the judge was rendered incapable of executing the judicial office.
In Reasons for voting against the recommendation for removal, 4 members out of 23 who deliberated expressed their disagreement with Council’s decision to deny the judge’s request to appear before the Council. While they agree that Justice Camp’s comments amount to judicial misconduct, they were in favour of recommending a sanction short of removal.
In accordance with Canada’s Constitution, a judge may only be removed from office through a joint resolution of Parliament. The Council’s mandate, under the Judges Act, is to make a recommendation to the Minister of Justice in that regard. The Council’s full report, along with information about its function and mandate can be found on its website at www.cjc-ccm.gc.ca.
Contact:
Norman Sabourin
Executive Director and Senior General Counsel
(613) 288-1566 ext 313