A review panel of the Canadian Judicial Council reaches a decision in a matter involving the Honourable Andrew J. Goodman

Ottawa, July 30, 2025 – A review panel constituted by the Canadian Judicial Council (Council) has completed its review and reached a decision in a matter involving Justice Andrew J. Goodman of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The matter stemmed from two complaints involving an incident whereby Justice Goodman delivered the wrong version of a sentencing decision and failed to address his error until 14 months after the pronouncement of the sentence.

Following a review of the complaint by a screening officer, the matter was referred to the Honourable Glenn Joyal, Chief Justice of the Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba, as the designated reviewing member in this matter. Following his own review of the file, Chief Justice Joyal referred it to a review panel pursuant to section 95 of the Judges Act, and section 7.11(b) of the Council’s Review Procedures (2025).

After a thorough consideration of the matter, the review panel concluded that there was no basis on which Justice Goodman’s removal from office could be justified in the circumstances, nor could the complaint be dismissed. The review panel noted that Justice Goodman could and should have taken more proactive steps following his recognition of his mistake, as his delay in disclosing it undermines the openness and accountability required to assist in enhancing the integrity of the administration of justice. While the review panel accepts there was no evidence that Justice Goodman was acting in bad faith, the conduct and circumstances at hand require that he, in addition to members of the judiciary and the public, see a clear and strong message of condemnation of such conduct. The review panel therefore concluded a public reprimand under section 102 of the Judges Act was appropriate in the circumstances – the most severe sanction available short of a recommendation for removal. In addition, the panel ordered Justice Goodman to issue an apology to Crown and defence counsel.

The review panel was comprised of the Honourable Associate Chief Justice Shane I. Perlmutter of the Court of King’s Bench of Manitoba, the Honourable Justice John S. Little, of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, and a member of the public, Mr. Curtis Kleisinger.

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

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 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.

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