Canadian Judicial Council seeks the views of Canadians on judicial conduct

Ottawa, 26 March 2014 –The Canadian Judicial Council launched today a public web-based consultation to seek the input of Canadians about the process of review of complaints against federally-appointed judges.

"The Canadian Judicial Council plays a pivotal role in ensuring that judges maintain the highest standards of conduct, which is essential to maintaining the rule of law and public confidence in the administration of justice," noted the Council's Chairperson, the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin. 

The Chief Justice indicated that it was timely to undertake a review, to ensure that Council keeps pace with the public's evolving expectations of fairness, efficiency and transparency in the process. This consultation will seek input on all aspects of the process, from the front-end screening through to the public inquiry stage.

All Canadians are encouraged to submit their views by using the consultation website, which will remain active until the end of April. A detailed Background Paper is also available on the Council's website and provides some Constitutional and legal context on the process of review of judicial conduct matters.

Council hopes that all members of the public who wish to have their views known will communicate with Council via http://discussion.cjc-ccm.ca or by email or regular mail.

Contact: 
Norman Sabourin
Executive Director and Senior General Counsel
(613) 288-1566 ext 303