Hansard May 4, 05: Justice--Unmitigated Liberal arrogance in the face of revelations about the "appointment" of justices!

Hansard: Debates May 4, 05

Hon. Stephen Harper (Leader of the Opposition, CPC): Mr. Speaker, a top Liberal official has admitted that the Liberal Party rigs the appointment of judges. In fact, Benoît Corbeil says that members of the judicial advisory committee in Quebec actually did the partisan screening process for the Liberal Party.

Having heard these revelations, what steps has the Prime Minister taken to ensure the integrity of Canada's judicial system?

Right Hon. Paul Martin (Prime Minister, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, Canadians can be very proud of their judiciary and I do not really believe that the Leader of the Opposition should try to bring their integrity into question.

The fact is that there is a longstanding practice, one that has been substantially improved by the government, in terms of seeking the advice of the judiciary of the Canadian bar, and the provincial bar that is involved, to ensure that the appointments that are made to our judiciary are of the highest quality. If one takes a look at our courts, from the Supreme Court through to the provincial courts, one can see that has benefited Canada
immensely.

(1425)

Hon. Stephen Harper (Leader of the Opposition, CPC): Mr. Speaker, it is not this party that has brought this process into disrepute. It is a top official of the Liberal Party of Canada that has done that. A top official, a man in the know, has revealed that the Liberal Party of Canada has corrupted the system of nominating, vetting and appointing judges.

The Prime Minister knew about these allegations two weeks ago, yet he has done absolutely nothing in terms of reacting, according to his answer.

Is this not a perfect example why that party should be removed from office?

Hon. Irwin Cotler (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Lib.): Mr. Speaker,--

Some hon. members: Oh, oh!

The Speaker: Order, please. I am sure the minister appreciates the support, but he is rising to answer a question and we have to be able to hear the answer.

Hon. Irwin Cotler: Mr. Speaker, I do not think that the Leader of the Opposition is prepared to take yes for an answer. There is an independent peer review process in place. We make appointments on the basis of merit and we will continue to make appointments on the basis of merit. If members of the opposition want any other process, that is their choice. We will base our process on merit.

(End of Hansard excerpt)


My Comments:

I suppose that, just as taxpayers' money has been given to CSL--"based on merit", we can rest assured, or can we? Do you remember this?

February 03, 2004: Ah, Question Period! Paul Martin, CSL, $161-million Taxpayers' Dollars

Of course, our government behaves honourably and with the best intentions for Canadians -- doesn't it?. . . . Hogwash!

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