Evidence of meeting #4 for Justice and Human Rights in the 43rd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was training.
A video is available from Parliament.
Bloc
Rhéal Fortin Bloc Rivière-du-Nord, QC
Mr. Lametti, I will not repeat what I have already said and what has been said. We subscribe to judicial independence.
The second jurisdictional concern of the previous witnesses is the need for some training for provincial judges, which you've addressed. You mentioned that.
As a former Quebec law professor and a lawyer who practised in Quebec, do you feel that the training that Quebec judges currently receive meets many of the criteria contained in Bill C-5?
Liberal
David Lametti Liberal LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, QC
I think you understand that it would be very unwise of me to give an opinion on this. It is within the purview of my counterpart Mr. Lebel.
Bloc
Rhéal Fortin Bloc Rivière-du-Nord, QC
Clause 4 of Bill C-5 talks about the amendment to the Criminal Code that will require judges to give reasons for their judgments. I believe this obligation applies to both federally and provincially appointed judges.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Iqra Khalid
Mr. Fortin, I'm so sorry to cut you off. We're completely out of time.
Liberal
David Lametti Liberal LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, QC
Yes. Traditionally, it's not mandatory, but it's very desirable. It's what we want.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Iqra Khalid
Thank you, Mr. Fortin.
Mr. MacGregor, do you have any questions at all before we move into committee business?
You have, literally, not even one minute.
NDP
Alistair MacGregor NDP Cowichan—Malahat—Langford, BC
Minister Lametti, I'd like just a comment from you.
The TRC's call to action 27 called for the Federation of Law Societies of Canada to implement this training. Is that something that might be applicable in the future to judges as well?
Liberal
David Lametti Liberal LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, QC
All suggestions are good suggestions, but we have to respect the principle of judicial independence. There has to be a way to have greater representation of indigenous peoples in our justice system, and on the bench in particular. We'll do our best to respect all these principles and try to find the appropriate balances.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Iqra Khalid
Minister and officials, thank you very much for coming in today. We really appreciate your being here and taking questions from the committee on this very important legislation.
I am going to suspend the meeting while we clear the room of non-members and non-staff. We have some committee business to discuss.
[Proceedings continue in camera]