Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I'm not sure that your perspective and your enlightening testimony have or will help us to better understand this complex issue. That's the reason why I would like to address my question to Professor Garant, who taught me Administrative Law I, II, and III in the 1970s.
Professor Garant, I think this would be a fantastic examination question for your students. This is how I see the question: section 100 of the Constitution says that salaries, allowances, and so on are paid by the Government of Canada. On the other hand, section 99 of that same Constitution says that justices of the Superior Court shall hold office during good behaviour, etc.
Now, I absolutely have to be in the House at 4:55 p.m. So, I will ask my question this way, although you will probably correct me. Where does the legislative power--in other words, the power of this Committee--end in relation to the power of the judiciary or judges serving in a court of law? It seems to me that there is a very fine line there, particularly when we're talking about judges' compensation.
So, this is the question in my mind, and I want to apologize for sloughing it off on you in your great wisdom. I am certain that you will be in a position to enlighten us. Just how far does it go? Where does it end? I don't know if you understand my position. The student in me has come to the fore once again and thus I am putting the question directly to the teacher. So, please enlighten us.