Madam Speaker, last spring, my colleague, the hon. member for Charlesbourg—Jacques-Cartier, launched this debate on Motion No.288 dealing with the appointment of judges. It is an extremely important debate.
I was listening to the minister's representative who said that, in our democratic system, judges play a leading role. I worked with René Lévesque when he was the Premier of Quebec. I was a member of the National Assembly at the time, and I remember that Mr. Lévesque used to say that there is one thing, pehaps the only thing, worth fighting and dying for, and that is our democratic values. These are the fundamental values of our country.
Given the role judges are increasingly asked to play within our system, I think the hon. member for Charlesbourg—Jacques-Cartier was right to ask the House to review and reconsider how judges are appointed.
This was done in Quebec, under Mr. Lévesque. It is probably one of the first changes we made after 1976. We reviewed the appointment process for judges, to reduce patronage as much as possible.
I am among those who believe our judicial system is a fair one. It must, however, not just be believed fair, it must also appear to be fair. When people see that judges are appointed by the PMO, they have every reason to think there may be a conflict between an individual's values and political leanings and his or her appointment.
If, for example, we look at the polls, we see that Canadians feel judges have too much power, that they usurp the responsibilities of politicians, and that their judgments reflect partisan imperatives. If that is the public's impression, it means there are some questions that need answers.
Once those questions are asked, perhaps the present solution is the best one. I do not know. I think the member for Charlesbourg—Jacques-Cartier is entitled to call for this matter to be put on the table, to ensure that the justice system not only is as perfect as possible, but appears to be totally correct and not influenced by political partisanship, a system tht really works for the good of the community.
In my time here in this House, we have had the opportunity to discuss bills that have caused us to wonder, with reason, whether people's freedoms were being encroached upon. I am thinking, for example, of the young offender and antiterrorism act. When we questioned the Prime Minister, his response was that, if people felt they were being disadvantaged, if they had any fears, there was always the possibility of going before the courts. This proves just how significant a role is assigned to the courts. They even have the possibility of striking down an act or parts of an act.
As a citizen, I think I have a right to ask Parliament to look closely at the appointment of judges. Judges have an increasingly important role to play in the life of every citizen; they will play an even greater role in the legislation we are adopting here as it is enforced.
For example, currently there is a great deal of discussion about same sex couples. What does the minister say? He is waiting for the decision by the Supreme Court; he wants to see how far he can go.
Courts are a part of our democratic and legal system. They help us pass laws that are increasingly relevant to the majority of the population. I believe in this system and I believe it is impartial, up to a point. Still, like everyone else, I also believe that the system does not look as impartial as it ought to.
Last spring, the hon. member for Charlesbourg—Jacques-Cartier emphasized that justice must be seen to be done. Personally, I am very pleased that the vote in favour of this motion will likely be unanimous, or close to it, because I heard my Liberal colleague say he would be voting in favour of the motion.
I think that is a plus and additional assurance we can give to the people of Canada. I would like to congratulate my colleague, the hon. member for Charlesbourg—Jacques-Cartier, for introducing this discussion. Moreover, I wish to thank in advance all the members in this House who will vote in favour of this motion.