Reduced Hearing Panel accepts abandonment request from the Honourable Andrew J. Goodman

Ottawa, March 24, 2026 – The reduced hearing panel established by the Canadian Judicial Council (the Council) in the matter of the Honourable Andrew J. Goodman has accepted Justice Goodman’s request to withdraw his application for a review of two complaints. 

Justice Goodman had requested the establishment of a reduced hearing panel, pursuant to s. 104 of the Judges Act and further to the decision of a review panel created in the matter of these complaints. Justice Goodman later sought to abandon his request.

The reduced hearing panel found that a judge cannot unilaterally withdraw a request for the establishment of a reduced hearing panel. The reduced hearing panel considered the circumstances of this case and concluded that it should accept the request. It noted that, as a result of the decision of the review panel, there has been a finding in respect of Justice Goodman’s conduct, and the public interest in the consideration of the conduct of the judge has been protected. It also noted that Justice Goodman had delivered apologies as directed by the review panel.

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

About the Canadian Judicial Council

The Council was created in 1971 by Parliament to maintain and improve the quality of judicial services in Canada’s superior courts. It has the power and duty to investigate complaints into the conduct of federally appointed judges. The Council is also responsible for the continuing education of judges, as well as for developing other tools and programs to maintain public confidence in the judicial system.

-30-

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