Madam Speaker, what the parliamentary secretary is saying is disingenuous.
I would draw his attention to articles from last year in the CBC, The Globe and Mail and a former Liberal staffer even saying, “I denounced practices that raised serious ethical issues. I would have much to say on the topic and feel it would be in the public interest.”
We have cabinet ministers, Liberal MPs, plugged-in lawyers and provincial Liberal Party presidents being consulted on judicial appointments. The PMO tracks these using the Liberal research bureau and the internal party database Liberal list. That is not merit-based selection; that is insider dealings. It is unacceptable, and it undermines Canadians' confidence in the judicial system and in this legislative body.
We deserve better.