"Did Associate Chief Justice Lori Douglas attend all her CJC courses Mr. Sabourin?"

Good Day Readers:

Meet your Canadian Judicial Council. The CJC is federally created under the Judges Act chaired by Canada's Chief Justice (currently The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin). There are 38 other Members: Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices of Superior Courts; Senior Judges from Territorial Courts; and the Chief Justice of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada.

Of the 4-missing we know where at least one is - she's toiling away buried deep within the bowels of Winnipeg's Law Courts Building. As Canadian taxpayers subsidizing her $254,600 annual salary (benefits package not included) God only knows what Ms Douglas is doing. At least we're aware how Justice Dewar is currently earning his keep.

Notice there's no layperson representation on the Council - a classic case of judging yourself. The police and our Legal Affairs Contributor VJH must love this judicial model!

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

mia.rabson@freepress.mb.ca
info@cjc-ccm.gc.ca
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Judicial council defends training given to federally appointed judges
By Mia Rabson/March 4, 2011/Page A4

OTTAWA - With Justice Robert Dewar under fire from Manitoba to Parliament Hill, the Canadian Judicial Council took the unusual step of defending the training of the federal judiciary.

In a statement released Thursday afternoon, the CJC said all federally appointed judges receive extensive training upon their appointment to the bench. The CJC said those appointments to the federal bench must also underatak additional training annually during their time as judge.

Canadians rightly expect that those who serve as judges have the legal skills, competence and temperament suited to the difficult task of deciding criminal and civil disputes," wrote CJC Executive Director Norman Sabourin in the statement. Sabourin did not repsond to a media request to explain the timing of his statement.

During a sentencing hearing in Thompson in February, Dewar ruled out jail time for a sexual assault, saying the victim had dressed provocatively and sent out signals the attacker misinterpreted.

The ruling shocked many Canadians and prompted numerous complaints to the CJC, including from the Manitoba government, which is considering an appeal of the sentence. The CJC, made up of Chief Justices and Associate Chief Justices from the Supreme Court of Canada and the provinces, investigates complaints against the judiciary.

'When issues arise concerning a judg's role in a trial, our system provides for remedy' - Norman Sabourin, CJC Executive Director

It acknowledged on February 25 an investigation is underway of Dewar's comments.

In a House of Commons committee hearing March 1, both Liberal MP Anita Neville and NDP MP Irene Mathyssen questioned Justice Minister Rob Nicholson about the extend of judicial training, given Dewar's statements.

Nicholson said training was delivered at the provincial level but he and provincial attorney's general feel it is a apriority issue.

Sabourin, however, said federally appointed judges are trained by the CJC upon appointment and every year after that.

The CJC has adopted clear guidelines about the importance of judicial education," Sabourin wrote. "After attending more extensive courses at the time of their appointment, judges are expected to devote a minimum of 10 days a year, outside of their regular hearing of cases to judicial education."

He said the CJC offers judicial-education programs in all areas of the law such as social-context issues, communication skills and the challenges of self-represented litigants.

When issues arise concerning a judge's role in a trial, our system provides for remedy," said Sabourin.

"One can appeal a decision to a higher court or submit a complaint to the CJC. In both cases, personnel effort and judicial educaiton programs can often be helpful."

During question period February 28, Status of Women Minister Rona Ambrose said Dewar's statements were not what victims need to hear.

"We established long ago in this country that no means no and I hope that any messages like this do not have any impact on any victims coming forward to report sexual abuse or sexual assault, in the future."

Rona Ambrose: '... no means no' (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press Archives)
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Judicial Education

Ottawa, 3 March 2011 - Canadians rightly expect that those who serve as judges have the legal skills, competence and temperament suited to the difficult task of deciding criminal and civil disputes.

The Canadian Judicial Council, made up of Canada's most senior judges, works to ensure all federally-appointed judges are provided with ongoing opportunities for professional development. The CJC has adopted clear guidelines about the importance of judicial education. After attending more extensive courses at the time of their appointment, judges are expected to devote a minimum of 10 days a year, outside of their regular hearing of cases, to judicial education.

In cooperation with educational partners, the CJC actively supports the development and delivery of education programs in all areas of the law. Programs are also offered in such areas as social context issues, communication skills, the challenges of self-represented litigants, to name a few.

In their day to day work, judges must decide some of the most difficult disputes between citizens: issues of life and liberty; family breakup; review of government action. Thousands of decisions are rendered by the courts of law every year, after thoughtful consideration by competent and learned judges. While our system may not be perfect, on balance it works well. When issues arise concerning a judge's role in a trial, our system provides for remedy. One can appeal a decision to a higher court or submit a complaint to the CJC. In both cases, personal effort and judicial education programs can often be helpful.

The CJC remains committed to ensuring judges continue to benefit from high quality, effective, ongoing judicial education and professional development.

Contact
Norman Sabourin, Executive Director and Senior General Counsel
(613) 288-1566