Chief Justice Refutes Improper PMO Contact Allegations

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

Canada: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…
USA: Oye! Times readers Get FREE $30 to spend on Amazon, Walmart…

Supreme Court Chief Justice, Beverley McLachlin, downrightly refuted the claims made in a recent statement from the Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Office that said she attempted to contact him about a court case. According to a statement issued by McLachlin’s office, she intended to discuss the possible appointment of Justice Marc Nadon with the Justice Minister to “flag a potential issue” about his eligibility nearly two full months before Mr. Harper chose Justice Nadon. The court eventually ruled Justice Nadon ineligible.

The statement issued on Friday said that “at no time was there any communication between Chief Justice McLachlin and the government regarding any case before the courts.” The statement alleged that on July 31, the Chief Justice’s office called the Justice Minister’s office and the Prime Minister’s chief of staff to raise the eligibility issue. It was explained that “later that day, the Chief Justice spoke with the Minister of Justice, Mr. MacKay, to flag the potential issue. The Chief Justice’s office also made preliminary inquiries to set up a call or meeting with the Prime Minister, but ultimately the Chief Justice decided not to pursue a call or meeting.”

It was elaborated that “the Chief Justice had no other contact with the government on this issue.” In addition to that, it was elucidated that “given the potential impact on the Court, I wished to ensure that the government was aware of the eligibility issue.” She added that “at no time did I express any opinion as to the merits of the eligibility issue. It is customary for Chief Justices to be consulted during the appointment process and there is nothing inappropriate in raising a potential issue affecting a future appointment.”