Turning the Supreme Court of Canada into a Political Battleground

Commentary

Discussing the recent actions of the SCC, the writer highlights how the court has embraced terminology advocated by gender activists in the past year. The writer conveys concerns about the court’s bias towards certain viewpoints on gender issues and its alignment with prevailing societal trends, which raises questions about its integrity and impartiality.

Emphasizing the court’s entanglement in political dynamics in Ottawa, the writer argues that the SCC’s functionality as a court has been compromised. The writer quotes law professor Iain T. Benson, questioning how citizens can expect fair treatment in a judicial system when the court takes clear political stances.

The writer provides examples of the SCC’s political posturing, such as the controversial social media post celebrating gender parity among judges and Chief Justice Wagner’s remarks regarding the Freedom Convoy protests. Comparing these actions to historical standards of judicial conduct, the writer underscores the growing politicization of the SCC.

Citing instances from the past, including the clash between Chief Justice Bora Laskin and Justice Thomas Berger, the writer demonstrates a shift in judicial norms and expectations. The writer discusses the repercussions of judges engaging in political matters and the necessity of upholding judicial independence and impartiality.

Concluding with a call for the SCC to return to the principles of judicial propriety exemplified by former Chief Justice Laskin, the writer highlights the importance of ensuring that justice is not only done but also seen to be done. The writer critiques the SCC’s handling of political issues and advocates for a more judicious approach to maintain the court’s credibility and reputation.

Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and may not align with The Epoch Times’ views.