Mr. Speaker, we want candidates from all backgrounds and political stripes to apply to the bench.
Political donations are neither an advantage nor a disadvantage when applying to the bench. In fact, the Ethics Commissioner said, “Making donations to a political party, or to a particular riding, does not indicate in itself a friendship. It is perfectly legal to make political donations.”
I proactively went to the Ethics Commissioner. In this case, this candidate went through the process and was recommended by the judicial appointments committee. I am proud of this appointment.