Minister of Justice Designates Lawyer Clo Ostrove to the Canadian Judicial Council Inquiry into the Conduct of the Honourable Justice F.J.C. Newbould

March 31, 2017 – Ottawa, ON – Department of Justice Canada

Today, the Minister of Justice advised the Canadian Judicial Council that she will designate lawyer Clo Ostrove to serve on the Council’s Inquiry Committee looking into the conduct of the Honourable Justice F.J.C. Newbould of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

Under the Judges Act, Parliament granted power to the Canadian Judicial Council to investigate and inquire into the conduct – not the decisions – of federally appointed judges.

In some cases, the Council will establish an Inquiry Committee to investigate the complaint.

Under subsection 63(3) of the Judges Act, the Minister of Justice is afforded the opportunity to designate one or more members of the bar to serve on the Inquiry Committee.

Quotes

“I believe it is in the interests of all participants in the process, and important to the maintenance of public confidence, that the Inquiry Committee include representation from accomplished members of the bar with significant knowledge about, and experience with, Indigenous peoples in Canada. I am very grateful that Clo Ostrove has agreed to serve in that capacity, and am confident that her perspective and understanding will assist the Inquiry Committee’s work.”

The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Quick Facts

• Under subsection 63(3) of the Judges Act, the Canadian Judicial Council struck an Inquiry Committee to conduct an investigation into the conduct of the Honourable Justice F.J.C. Newbould.
• The Inquiry Committee prepares a written report of its investigation, which will be forwarded to the full Council. The Council will consider it before issuing a final report of its own to the Minister of Justice containing a recommendation on whether the judge should be removed from office.
• The Inquiry Committee’s report will be available to the public.
• The complaint process for judicial conduct is described fully on the Canadian Judicial Council website.

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Director of Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Minister of Justice
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