Ottawa

What is it about the highest court that brings out the lowest politicking?

You know, I’d really like to think that that the Prime Minister would have given the other party leaders a heads up before announcing such a significant appointment on what is quite literally the eve of an election …

PRIME MINISTER HARPER ANNOUNCES NOMINEE FOR SUPREME COURT APPOINTMENT

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Justice Minister Rob Nicholson today announced the Honourable Justice Thomas A. Cromwell as the Government’s nominee to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court of Canada left by the resignation of the Honourable Mr. Justice Michel Bastarache.  Mr. Justice Cromwell currently sits on the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal.

“Thomas Cromwell’s candidacy was highly recommended by judges, lawyers and other Atlantic Canadians,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “He is well qualified to serve on the country’s highest court.”

… but I have a sinking feeling that’s not the case:

Today’s announcement suspends the work of the Supreme Court Selection Panel, which to date has failed to arrive at a short list of recommended candidates.  Earlier this week,   two scheduled days of consultations by the Supreme Court Selection Panel had to be cancelled because all three Opposition MPs failed to participate.  Last month, the first meeting of the Selection Panel considered no substantive business because of Opposition objection to the panel’s composition.

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