Statement from CBA President John Stefaniuk, K.C. on Federal Court ruling

  • February 13, 2024

Today’s Federal Court ruling on judicial vacancies sheds light on the importance of filling judicial vacancies in a timely manner.

The CBA has long advocated for the speedy appointment of judges as an important factor to maintain the public’s confidence in the administration of justice.

We have a collective responsibility to ensure that our courts have the proper resources to serve the administration of justice. This includes appropriate administrative support, technology, and security for the proper operation of the Courts and the conduct of proceedings. The CBA will continue to encourage all levels of governments to ensure that appropriate resources are allocated to Courts.

Judicial vacancies and under-resourcing contribute to an acute access to justice problem in Canada. All participants in the judicial system are impacted, including victims of crime, families, children, businesses, witnesses and the accused. Reduced access and delay erode public confidence in the judicial system and the administration of justice and undermine a fundamental pillar of our democratic system of government.