Canadian Law Deans worried about Government's statements regarding Chief Justice

MONTREAL, May 7, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Council of Canadian Law Deans expresses grave concern with respect to statements recently made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Minister of Justice Peter MacKay, suggesting that Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin behaved improperly in the context of the appointment of Mr. Justice Marc Nadon to the Supreme Court of Canada.  The facts that have come to light confirm, to the contrary, that the Chief Justice's actions were beyond reproach and consistent with the dignity of her office.

There are very few issues on which all members of the legal community spontaneously agree.  The unanimous condemnation of the government's statements regarding Chief Justice McLachlin reflects our shared sentiment that this is an unfortunate and unprecedented attack on one of the most important institutions of Canada's constitutional democracy.  We call on the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice to immediately and unequivocally withdraw any statement that could be understood as impugning the integrity of the Chief Justice and the independence of the Supreme Court of Canada.

SOURCE: McGill University

Daniel Jutras, Dean of Law, McGill University, President, Council of Canadian Law Deans, [email protected], [phone]