The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Justice and
Attorney General, will present to the Senate Standing Committee on Legal
and Constitutional Affairs today (Wednesday, May 28) on the topic of
Bill C-31, An Act to Amend the Judges Act. During his
presentation, Minister Kennedy will discuss the need for more judges and
judicial resources in Newfoundland and Labrador, the judicial
appointment process and the upcoming vacancy on the Supreme Court of
Canada.
"I am pleased to be invited by the Senate committee to
address Bill C-31 and raise key issues for Newfoundland and Labrador
such as the imminent vacancy on the Supreme Court of Canada and judicial
resources," said Minister Kennedy. "Bill C-31 will see 20 new Superior
Court judges in Canada with Newfoundland and Labrador allocated one and
it is critical that I outline the need for this position, along with
increased resources and associated funding."
The approaching retirement of Mr. Justice Michel
Bastarache from the Supreme Court of Canada leaves an opening for an
Atlantic Canada appointment and Minister Kennedy views his appearance
before the Senate committee as an opportune time to discuss this matter.
"Since 1949 our province has not been represented on
the Supreme Court of Canada and constitutional convention indicates the
next appointment should be from Atlantic Canada," said Minister Kennedy.
"I will outline to the committee that this convention should be followed
and our province should receive the next appointment. We have many
judges who would make exemplary members of the Supreme Court of Canada
and now is the time to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador is represented
on this court."
Minister Kennedy will also outline his position that
the judicial appointment process must be consistent across Canada and
include consultation between the Federal Government and the provinces.
The appointment of judges is an issue that affects all Canadians and the
appointment process must include input from provinces where new or
replacement judicial resources will be appointed.
Minister Kennedy�s presentation to the Standing Senate
Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs will take place in Room 2,
Victoria Building at 6:30 p.m. Newfoundland Standard Time.