Doug Ford

The provincial government is taking control over the selection of the next chief justice of the Ontario Court of Justice using a process the judges say ...

Critics said the Tories’ changes damaged the independent process and opened up the system to patronage appointments. Downey’s office told the Star in a statement that he “relies on the same broad discretion … “I’m very uncomfortable with that,” Russell told the Star. The court’s chief justice is appointed by the provincial government on the recommendation of the attorney general. The Ontario Court of Justice provided a brief statement. “There’s no question they have the legal power. “Bear in mind that the No. Under the new process, judges wouldn’t know who has applied, nor who would sit on any interview committee that Downey might decide to create, she wrote. It is also our view that the process as outlined undermines judicial independence and violates our democratic system of separation of powers.” Downey says he will “personally and directly conduct any discreet inquiries” into potential candidates by speaking with individuals “with knowledge of a candidate’s suitability for appointment.” The Ontario Court of Justice is one of the busiest courts in Canada. I’d like it to do good.”