February 21, 2006
BABY STEPS
New judge will face public hearing before taking seat on top court: Harper (Jim Brown, National Post, February 20th, 2006)
Stephen Harper says he's looking for judges who will stick to the letter of the law, won't be too adventurous in their rulings and don't mind being grilled by politicians before taking a seat on the Supreme Court of Canada.The prime minister conceded Monday he can't guarantee he'll get what he wants on the first two points. But he's determined to have his way on the third. The next man or woman nominated for the Supreme Court will face public questioning before an all-party committee of MPs.
In fact, Harper has already set the date for the three-hour, televised hearing: next Monday, Feb. 27.
Mundane by American standards, but quite daring up here and already opposed by the legal establishment. Meanwhile, he begins the long, hazardous march to a new mind set.
Except haven't they noticed what fools the Senators look and how useless the hearings are? I mean, if you're going to define yourself by not being us, at least avoid our mistakes.
Posted by: David Cohen at February 21, 2006 9:12 AMYour senators are sages compared to our MP's, who, nota bene, will not have any power to approve or veto. It's a warning shot to the judiciary.
Posted by: Peter B at February 21, 2006 9:18 AMIt will be wonderful to welcome Canada back into the community of democracies. Perhaps Harper can shepherd that into happening.
Canada was once a force for good in the world, before it started its post-World War II decline into irrelevancy.
Don't Canadians want their country to count for something today?
Posted by: John J. Coupal at February 21, 2006 11:19 AMWill they be asked why they dress like Santa Claus?
Posted by: RC at February 21, 2006 12:42 PM