Of bilingual judges claimed to the supreme Court

Photo Agence QMI, GUILLAUME ST-PIERRE
Jody Wilson-Raybould
Minister

Guillaume St-Pierre

Tuesday, December 12, 2017 21:55

UPDATE
Tuesday, December 12, 2017 21:55

Look at this article

OTTAWA | The federal minister of Justice does not intend to guarantee in law the bilingualism of judges to the supreme Court as requested by a group of parliamentarians formed between the other of liberal members of parliament.

“We do not pursue the avenue of legislative drafting” to ensure the bilingualism of judges, said Tuesday the minister Jody Wilson-Raybould.

The standing Committee official languages, composed of mps from all the main federal parties, filed Tuesday its annual report in which it compiles a list of 10 recommendations. The main finding is the need to enshrine in law the bilingualism of judges sitting on the highest court in the country.

“The bilingualism of judges of the supreme Court of Canada is an issue of great importance, say the liberal members of parliament, new democrats and conservatives in their report. As a result, the government must ensure that Canadians and their lawyers are understood and read in the official language of their choice at the highest court in the country. “

Experts

The panel came to this conclusion after listening to many “experts solid and serious,” said at a press conference the liberal Denis Paradis. The latter admits to having “a job to do” to convince the government of the merits of his approach.

The liberal Party has recently rejected a bill from the NDP that seek to make the mandatory bilingualism in the supreme Court. Since his arrival to power, he appointed only bilingual judges.

But Mr. Paradise noted that the bilingualism of judges must be guaranteed by a law to this selection criterion will endure in time, no matter the government in place.