Canadian Judicial Council announces next steps in the review of a matter involving the Honourable Michel Déziel

For the original post on the CJC website, click HERE

Ottawa, 22 November 2013 –The Canadian Judicial Council announced today that a Panel of three judges will undertake further review of the conduct of the Honourable Michel Déziel.

Allegations surrounding the conduct of Justice Déziel were raised in the context of an ongoing Commission of Inquiry and were brought to the attention of Council in May 2013. In accordance with the Complaints Procedures of Council, these allegations were considered by the Honourable Edmond Blanchard, Vice-Chairperson of the Judicial Conduct Committee of Council. Having considered all the available information, including the judge’s response to the allegations, Chief Justice Blanchard has decided that this matter would benefit from further consideration by a Panel of three judges. Continue reading

Update on Lori Douglas Inquiry: Inquiry Committee Resigns

From the Canadian Judicial Council website:

Ottawa, 20 November 2013 –The members of the Inquiry Committee appointed to review a matter involving Associate Chief Justice Douglas have announced their resignation, effective immediately. The Committee has released reasons for its decision, which are available on the website of the Canadian Judicial Council. In its reasons, the Inquiry Committee notes a number of factors that led to its decision, and notes that the public interest would not be served by ongoing delays, public expenditures and uncertainty about the process itself.

Currently, the Federal Court is scheduled to hear a challenge from Associate Chief Justice Douglas about a number of issues. Some questions remain about whether these proceedings will go ahead as planned.

Council’s mandate and duty is to ensure that the review of allegations against the judge can proceed in accordance with the provisions of theJudges Act and with Council’s By-laws in a fair and expeditious manner, in keeping with the public interest. In due course, another inquiry committee may be appointed in respect of Associate Chief Justice Douglas.

Contact:
Norman Sabourin
Executive Director and Senior General Counsel
(613) 288-1566 ext 302

Canadian Bar Review – two articles that deal with ethics

The November 2013 issue of the Canadian Bar Review features two articles that deal with ethics:

“Settlement Conferences and Judicial Role: The Scaffolding for Expanded Thinking About Judicial Ethics” by Michaela Keet & Brent Cotter

“Solicitor-Client Privilege for Ethics Counsel: Lessons for Canada from the United States” by Stephen G.A. Pitel & Jordan McKie

The table of contents is at the link below but I think the articles themselves require a subscription to access.

http://www.cba.org/cba_barreview/Search.aspx?VolDate=11/01/2013