Irwin Cotler

[Justice, May 18th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the body is not controlled by the Liberals. It is an independent body. It was the same body that the hon. member presided over. It was good enough for him when he was the attorney general of Manitoba and it is good enough for us when we are the Government of Canada.

[Justice, May 17th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, a complaint is currently before the Canadian Judicial Council. We will let the matter take its course.

[Justice, May 17th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, as I have said, no consideration is given to political or ideological affiliation in the appointment of judges.

[Justice, May 17th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, there is an independent process that was actually introduced by the Conservative Party under Prime Minister Mulroney.We regard that process as being an excellent process in principle. If it can be improved in practice, we will do it, but the attempt to politicize it, to undermine the independence of this process and to impugn the reputation of candidates nominated, that, in my view, is undermining the independence and the rule of law in this country.

[Justice, May 17th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, the nomination process begins with an application by a candidate. It is reviewed and evaluated by an independent committee. It is under the jurisdiction of an independent commissioner for judicial affairs. It goes in accordance with criteria of merit. I have said before and repeat again that this is an excellent, merit based process.

With respect to seeing whether we can improve the process, we are always open for improvement with respect to any matter that would be in the public interest.

[Criminal Code, May 16th, 2005]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-50, an act to amend the Criminal Code in respect of cruelty to animals.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

[Justice, May 16th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, as I was saying, political affiliation is not taken into account when judges are appointed.

I understand a complaint has been lodged with the Canadian Judicial Council. We will monitor its progress.

[Justice, May 16th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, judicial appointments are based on recommendations by an independent committee of the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs. It is simply a question of merit. In my opinion, political affiliation is not taken into account.

[Criminal Code, May 12th, 2005]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-49, an act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in persons).

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

[Justice, May 9th, 2005]

Mr. Speaker, we share with the member opposite the concern that the primary concern has to be that of the best interests of the child.

In that context, we are reviewing the best options for that purpose and we will take the member's considerations into account.