The Honourable Bernard Synnott’s Questionnaire

Under the new judicial application process introduced by the Minister of Justice on October 20, 2016, any interested and qualified Canadian lawyer or judge may apply for federal judicial appointment by completing a questionnaire. The questionnaires are then used by the Judicial Advisory Committees across Canada to review candidates and submit a list of “highly recommended” and “recommended” candidates for consideration by the Minister of Justice. Candidates are advised that parts of their questionnaire may be made available to the public, with their consent, should they be appointed to the bench. The information is published as it was submitted by the candidates at the time they applied, subject to editing where necessary for privacy reasons.

Below are Parts 5, 6, 7, and 11 of the questionnaire completed by the Honourable Bernard Synnott.

Questionnaire for Judicial Appointment

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Part 5 – Language

Please note that in addition to the answers to the questions set out below, you may be assessed as to your level of language proficiency.

Without further training, are you able to read and understand court materials in:

• English: Yes
• French: Yes

Without further training, are you able to discuss legal matters with your colleagues in: 

• English: Yes
• French: Yes

Without further training, are you able to converse with counsel in court in:

• English: Yes
• French: Yes

Without further training, are you able to understand oral submission in court in:

• English: Yes
• French: Yes

Part 6 – Education

Name of Institutions, Years Attended, Degree/Diploma and Year Obtained:

• École du Barreau du Québec (1986)
• University of Ottawa, civil law degree (1983 to 1986)
• Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf, high school and college courses (1976 to 1983)

Continuing Education:

Since the very start of my practice, I have regularly assisted in conferences in fields related to general civil litigation, civil procedure, administrative law, unfair competition and labour law.

I taught at the École du Barreau du Québec from 1996 to 2001 (administrative law and civil procedure) and therefore annually updated my knowledge in these fields.

I gave many talks on labour law, non-competition and injunction, all within the framework of continuing education for lawyers.

I was also a guest speaker on ethics and professional conduct.

I took the argument technique course offered by Université de Sherbrooke (1992).

I have also participated in most of the conferences held by the Barreau du Québec since my admission into the profession, in addition to many national and international conferences, such as those by the following:

• International Association of Lawyers (UIA)
• International Bar Association (IBA)
• American Bar Association (ABA)
• Canadian Bar Association (CBA)
• Bar Leaders Institute (ABA)
• Federation of Law Societies of Canada
• Les Entretiens Jacques Cartier (guest speaker 2014)
• Les journées strasbourgeoises (2004)
• Les congrès des Barreaux des grandes villes du monde (2004 and 2011)

Honours and Awards:

• Advocatus Emeritus (Ad. E.)

Part 7 – Professional and Employment History

Please include a chronology of work experience, starting with the most recent and showing employers’ names and dates of employment. For legal work, indicate areas of work or specialization with years and, if applicable, indicate if they have changed.

Legal Work Experience:

• Fasken Martineau DuMoulin, Partner (2001 to present)
  • General civil litigation and litigation related to labour law and injunction relief;
• Bélanger Sauvé, Partner (1998 to 2001)
  • General civil litigation and litigation related to labour law and injunction relief;
• Hébert Denault, Partner (1996 to 1998) / Staff lawyer (1987 to 1996)
  • Civil litigation and administrative law; practice related to municipal law, especially including damages claims, construction law litigation, injunctions and criminal law.

Non-Legal Work Experience:

The position that I held as Bâtonnier (president) of the Barreau du Québec (2014-2015), preceded by the vice-presidency (2013-2014), enabled me to acquire meaningful experience in governance, management, decision making, leadership and representations other than legal representations, but related to the exercise of the legal profession.

This same role gave me the opportunity to develop ongoing interactions with the players on the legal scene, and especially with the chief justices of the Court of Appeal, Superior Court, Federal Court of Appeal, Federal Court, Court of Quebec, and municipal courts, and the presidents of many arbitration boards.

I also had the opportunity to present the Barreau du Québec’s comments in parliamentary committees during the tabling of various bills and to present the Barreau’s position papers to various institutions and commissions, notably as part of the Commission of Inquiry on the Awarding and Management of Public Contracts in the Construction Industry.

My role as Bâtonnier also let me to present many arguments to various ministerial, provincial and federal bodies aimed at advancing the law and improving our justice system, and at fostering accessibility to justice, respect for the rule of law, public protection and advancement of the profession.

Other Professional Experience:

List all bar associations, legal or judicial-related committees of which you are or have been a member, and give the titles and dates of any offices which you have held in such groups.

Barreau du Québec

• Bâtonnier (president) of the Barreau du Québec, 2014-2015
• Chair of the General Council of the Barreau du Québec, 2014-2015
• Chair of the Executive Committee of the Barreau du Québec, 2014-2015
• Member of the working group on the state of justice in Northern Quebec, 2014-2018
• Vice-president of the Barreau du Québec, 2013-2014
• Chair of the Finance Committee of the Barreau du Québec, 2013-2014
• Member of the Finance Committee of the Barreau du Québec, 2013-2014/2004-2005
• Member of the Administrative Committee of the Barreau du Québec, 2003-2005
• Member/Chair of the Motions Committee of the Barreau du Québec, 1996-1997, 2003-2005, 2015-2018
• Member of the General Council of the Barreau du Québec, 2003-2005, 1996-1997 and 2013-2015
• Member of the Professional Access Committee of the Barreau du Québec, 2000-2002
• Chair of the Annual Conference Organizing Committee of the Barreau du Québec, 1999-2000

Bar of Montréal

• Bâtonnier (president) of the Bar of Montréal, 2004-2005
• First Councillor of the Bar of Montréal, 2003-2004
• Secretary of the Bar of Montréal, 1996-1997
• Member of the Board of Directors of the Young Bar Association of Montréal, 1991-1996
• Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Young Bar Association of Montréal, 1995-1996

Federation of Law Societies of Canada

• Member of the Board of Directors, 2015-2018
• Member of the Calls to Action Working Committee of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2016-2018
• Member of the Public Affairs and Government Relations Committee, 2016-August 2018
• Member of the National Admission Standards Steering Committee, 2014-August 2018

École de Formation Professionnelle du Barreau du Québec

• Member of the Career Training Committee of the École du Barreau du Québec (i.e., member of the Board of Directors), 2001-2003
• Instructor at the École de formation professionnelle du Barreau du Québec, administrative law and civil procedure, 1996-2001

Federal Judicial Advisory Committee

• Member of the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee, 1998-2003

Corporation de Services du Barreau du Québec

• Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation de services du Barreau du Québec, 2013-August 2018

Other Professional Experience

• Co-editor of the Grand collectif-code de procédure civile-commentaires et annotations published on October 28, 2015 by Éditions Yvon Blais
• Legal commentator for a television network, 2010-2012

Pro Bono Activities:

• Federation of Law Societies of Canada: member of the Board of Directors and working groups (2015-August 2018)
• Panelist at the Congrès de la Chambre des notaires, 2015
• Member of the provincial access to justice committee, 2014-2016
• Working group on justice in Indigenous communities in Quebec’s Far North, 2013-August 2018
• Member of three missions to Quebec’s Far North to develop a report on justice in Indigenous communities and presentation of the report primarily to government authorities and the Kativik Regional Government
• Chair of the committee on facilitation of relations between the Quebec criminal prosecutions branch and three (3) Quebec defence lawyers’ associations, 2014-August 2018
• Member of the Table Justice, which brings together the Ministre de la justice du Québec, chief justices, the minister of justice and key players in the legal community, 2013-August 2018
• Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation de services du Barreau du Québec, 2013-August 2018
• Member of the Motions Committee of the Barreau du Québec and Chair of the Motions Committees of the Barreau du Québec, 1996-1997, 2003-2005 and 2015-August 2018
• Member of the Professional Access Committee of the Barreau du Québec, 2000-2002
• Volunteer at the Salon “VISEZ DROIT” organized each year by the Bar of Montréal and presented at the Complexe Desjardins, 2002-August 2018
• Member of the JUSTICIA project that developed nine (9) guides for developing best practices and business development policies or programs for female lawyers to foster the advancement of female lawyers in the profession, 2014 to 2016
• Member of the organizing committee, instructor and facilitator of an annual symposium for legal counsel in business, 2009-2013
• Member of the organizing committee of the seventh annual Barreaux des Grandes Villes du Monde conference, 2010-2011
• Member of candidate selection committees for provincial court judges (Court of Quebec), 2004-2005
• Member of the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee (Montréal appeals division), 1998-2003
• Member of the Board of Directors of the Young Bar Association of Montréal, 1991-1996 (Secretary, 1995-1996)

Teaching and Continuing Education:

List all legal or judicial educational organizations and activities you have been involved with (e.g. teaching course at a law faculty, bar association, National Judicial Institute, or the Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice).

• Member of the career training committee of the École du Barreau du Québec (Board of Directors), 2001-2003
• Instructor at the École de formation professionnelle du Barreau du Québec, 1996-2001 (administrative law blocks and civil procedure blocks)
• Ordre des vétérinaires du Québec, training of the assistant syndics of this professional association (2016)
• Fasken Martineau Symposium: member of the founding committee of the annual Fasken Martineau symposium created in 2009: guest speaker in 2009 and 2011 and presentation plans reviser (18 presentations delivered during a morning of training for legal experts in business)

Community and Civic Activities:

List all organizations of which you are a member and any offices held with dates.

[...]

• Member of the Board of Directors of “Conventum En Fête”, an organization that distributes scholarships to students in need, 2013 to present
• Honorary co-chair of the Intégration Jeunesse du Québec fundraising campaign, 2011
• Member of the Board of Directors of the Fondation Jean-Marc Paquette, 2005-2008
• Member of the Board of Directors of the Fondation Notre-Dame-des-Neiges, 1982-2000

Part 11 – The Role of the Judiciary in Canada’s Legal System

The Government of Canada seeks to appoint judges with a deep understanding of the judicial role in Canada. In order to provide a more complete basis for evaluation, candidates are asked to offer their insight into broader issues concerning the judiciary and Canada’s legal system. For each of the following questions, please provide answers of between 750 and 1000 words.

1. What would you regard as your most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in Canada?

In my view, my greatest contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in Canada is my ongoing involvement with the Young Bar Association of Montréal, the Bar of Montréal, the Barreau du Québec and the Federation of Law Societies of Canada. For 29 years, this involvement has given me the opportunity to sit on many committees and be involved with several bodies dealing with an extremely wide variety of matters.

One of my key achievements from my time with the Young Bar Association of Montréal was participating in a working group that produced a video on children’s best interests during a separation or divorce. I actively participated in the development of the script and scenario for this video, as well as the questionnaire for the judges, lawyers, psychologists and social workers interviewed. This video was used for many years by the family mediation service and by psychosocial services. The video was also played in a loop in the waiting rooms of some courthouses in Quebec.

A few years later, when I held the position of Bâtonnier de Montréal, I convinced my Board of Directors to adopt the recommendations of a report and a study produced by a working group with which I had worked for a long time, whose goal was to foster access to the justice system, especially for citizens whose means are often limited and thus cannot retain the services of the lawyer of their choice. The working group report dealt with court fees, expenses and the provision for fees in certain very clear circumstances, and in the case of a clear financial imbalance between the parties.

Moreover, as part of my engagement with the Barreau de Montréal, I participated in the implementation of the Salon “VISEZ DROIT” that, one week a year, makes legal information, workshops, free consultations with lawyers, quizzes and exhibitors available to the general public at the Complexe Desjardins. Thus, the week gives young people, seniors, people with disabilities and the general public the opportunity to obtain the important legal information that they need. Every year, I still participate in the Salon “VISEZ DROIT” as a volunteer, because I believe that free legal information largely serves the goal of achieving greater accessibility to justice in Canada.

Later, my years of service at the Barreau du Québec allowed me to continue contributing to the pursuit of J justice in Canada. In this respect, I participated in missions to Quebec’s Far North, especially Nunavik. As part of these missions, I had the opportunity to meet many elected representatives, in additional to meeting many representatives from social services, shelters for battered women, shelters for youth in distress, as well as representatives of police forces, liaison officers and staff members and travelling legal aid courts and Crown prosecutors, in addition to holding ongoing dialogue with representatives of the judiciary. The report on justice in the North that I worked on currently continues to be implemented, although the situation of justice in the Far North is often complex.

During my meeting with the elected and non-elected representatives of the Kativik Regional Government, I was able to see how much our visits to the North and our reports were valued and necessary for identifying various solutions to justice-related problems in the North.

Moreover, as part of my presidency, I established important connections with other professional associations to engage with them on the advancement of the law and justice in Canada. To this end, I participated in working groups on “dying with dignity”, on the testimony of medical experts during criminal proceedings and lawyer-client privilege .

Moreover, I worked jointly with the Research and Legislation Department of the Barreau du Québec to provide constructive feedback on public bills proposed by government authorities. I also participated in the working group that developed the Barreau du Québec position paper that was presented as part of the Commission of Inquiry on the Awarding and Management of Public Contracts in the Construction Industry. I presented the Barreau’s position paper before this Commission as well.

2. How has your experience provided you with insight into the variety and diversity of Canadians and their unique perspectives?

Canada has always been an open, inclusive and welcoming place and its cultural diversity is undoubtedly one of its greatest riches. Canadian immigrants or refugees choose Canada in the hope of living a better life here, and often in search of a peace of mind that will shelter them from wars, genocides, famines and economic, social and political problems. It was the same for my ancestors who left Ireland around 1850 during the Great Famine.

On a more personal note, I would like to mention that I am married to the daughter of an immigrant who fled the former Yugoslavia in 1959 by rowing from the Dalmatian coast to the Italian coast. My father-in-law is one of those who was welcomed by Canada at the age of 18, in a host country that gave him the opportunity to live an honourable life as a teacher after arriving in the country with absolutely nothing.

That said, throughout my involvement at the Barreau, I have worked tirelessly for the respect and support of minority rights. As part of my presidency at the Barreau du Québec, I launched the first LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) event in its history, which, in its first year, attracted more than 150 lawyers. Under my presidency, I also participated in an internal working group on equity that recommended changing the annual registration of lawyers, for better identification of their membership in minority or specific groups. This recommendation was adopted, and the annual registration form for Barreau du Québec members was amended accordingly.

Canadian variety and diversity – whether with respect to beliefs, race, language or gender – is found throughout our country, and I think it is important for our values of peace, openness and tolerance to be promoted throughout this country, from east to west and north to south.

My involvement with the Federation of Law Societies of Canada allows me to ensure that the 14 law societies in Canada have a common vision on the law of equality and the respect of each Canadian’s individual rights and freedoms. It is in that spirit that I supported without hesitation the decision of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada to study the report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and to respond to the call made to it. With that done, the Federation committed to formulating recommendations to respond to the calls to action put forth by this Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The issues raised are complex, but the Federation is studying them with a view to producing specific responses that will be proposed in the next year.

From the time I started at the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, and even before the publication of the call to action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, I sought the support of the Federation to help us reflect on the actions that we would be able to take collectively to improve justice in the Far North and restore the confidence of its communities in our federal and provincial justice systems. I considered this action important because my meetings with the Inuit communities had instilled in me feelings of urgency, both with respect to improving the justice system in Quebec’s Far North and to improving their quality of life.

Moreover, as I have previously indicated in this questionnaire , I participated and continue to participate actively in the Barreau du Québec committees, to improve justice in Quebec’s Far North. My few missions to Nunavik gave me the opportunity to meet members of the Inuit communities and talk with them about their culture, their traditions and their desire to improve their respective communities. I hope that this work by the Barreau helps these extraordinary communities benefit, as much as possible, from our desire to work with them to improve the justice system in the Far North, while respecting the variety and diversity of the culture and traditions of each of them.

3. Describe the appropriate role of a judge in a constitutional democracy.

The role a judge must play in a constitutional democracy is undoubtedly one of the most important in our society, because the judge is an integral part of the judicial authority, a pillar of the justice system and a guardian of the rule of law and of proper democratic balance.

In addition to possessing the personal qualities and skills that will make him an excellent magistrate, the judge must be highly competent, keep an open mind and show empathy, while ensuring compliance with the rule of law.

The judge must also remain impartial and demonstrate all the independence required by his judiciary functions.

Since the advent of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the adoption by the provincial legislatures of the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, the judge is constantly called to rule on important issues, especially based on the rights guaranteed by the various charters, notably sections 7 to 15 of the Charter.

Since then, the role of the judge has increased, because he must constantly ensure that the government laws and regulations comply with the values conveyed by the charters, while making sure to very carefully weigh the relationships between collective rights and individual rights. Canadians accept this role of the judge guided by the charters because the courts have been able to demonstrate, for over 30 years, their concern for applying the rule of law, while keeping a balance between legislative and judiciary powers and between the rights of each Canadian or each group of Canadians.

The judge is the guardian of the country’s values and, just like the Supreme Court of Canada has recalled many times, the judge must adapt to the evolution of society and our democratic values.

Public trust is based particularly on the wisdom of judges and on the case law that they have created but that can evolve over time to follow the evolution of people’s thinking, the evolution of social attitudes and the evolution of Canadian values.

The role of a trial judge may differ from the role of an Appeal Court or Supreme Court judge, but each of them take the same oath to act impartially and independently of any external pressure, pressure group or government intervention.

Whether a judge is of the Superior Court, Court of Appeal or even the Supreme Court, the judge must remain independent and safeguard this quality. In this way, the judge will build the trust of persons who are reasonably informed about the justice system. Moreover, studies have shown that the large majority of Canadians will stand before a judge only once in their life. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that citizens who present their case to a judge or are called as a witness have the deep conviction that they have been properly heard, and that justice and the appearance of justice have been served.

Moreover, statistics show that many people decide to represent themselves. A judge hearing people who are representing themselves must ensure that she or he listens attentively, while providing deft guidance and not undermining the rights of such people or of the opposing party.

On the other hand, as with the evolution of our society, the judge may be called to act as a mediator or facilitator, thus helping resolve many conflicts without the parties having to go to trial, which largely contributes to the expectations of citizens in our constitutional democracy.

Moreover, the philosophy of the new Code of Civil Procedure fosters this role on the part of the judge. The parties must henceforth explore the avenues of resolution more concretely, and only submit their dispute to a judge as a last resort.

In summary, the role of the judge within our democracy is of capital importance to maintaining a free and democratic society. The judge’s role has evolved over the past 30 years, but this evolution was desirable and respects without any doubt the values of our democracy.

4. Who is the audience for decisions rendered by the court(s) to which you are applying?

The decisions of the Court to which I have applied are intended, in the large majority of cases, for the parties involved. When a party refers to the Court to obtain justice or redress, in the framework of a private dispute, the ruling of the Superior Court will often apply only to the specific parties involved.

For example, most of the decisions rendered in family law will apply only to the parties involved after a specific analysis of the proven facts in the case.

These decisions will be rendered respecting the rule of law and the case law applicable to the matters submitted to the Court. However, they will often only be useful to the parties involved in the case, except when new law matters are submitted to the judge in charge of the case. That said, in all cases, whether the decision affects only the parties involved or has a larger scope, it is of utmost importance that the decision be rendered with all the open-mindedness required by the judge’s duty, and that all parties feel that justice (or the appearance of justice) has been served.

Other decisions will take on a declaratory status and be of public interest. One need only think of the Lola v. Éric case that made headlines, and where the important issue of alimony and child support for common-law spouses was analyzed. In this case, the plaintiff challenged the legislative provisions that did not allow for the awarding of such child support in a context where the spouses had had children born out of wedlock. Remember that this case was the subject of a decision from the highest C ourt in the country.

This is an example where the importance of the matter exceeded the simple interest of the parties involved, and where the responses from the judge to the issues submitted could have a major impact – not just legally, but also socially. Court rulings can thus often influence the evolution of social thinking in a major way.

Court decisions can also have a much larger impact than that of the parties, especially when the judgment rendered is declaratory and it interprets a law, a regulation or even a contract.

Other decisions will apply to a larger audience – especially in class action lawsuits, where the applicant will represent a defined group, but the aggrieved parties will not all be known.

Finally, matters of public law cover a wide scope and may have a major impact beyond the parties. In particular, judgments that quash or cancel a law and whose findings will inexorably have an impact on other citizens come to mind, as do matters related to the environment and criminal law and that result in public policy decisions that will affect citizens who are not parties to the specific dispute.

5. Please describe the personal qualities, professional skills and abilities, and life experience that you believe will equip you for the role of a judge.

In addition to possessing the personal qualities and skills that will make him or her an excellent magistrate, the judge must be highly competent. From 1998 to 2003, I had the privilege of sitting on the Federal Judicial Advisory Committee. Just like today, as part of the applicant evaluation, we must apply very strict criteria related to skills, qualities and abilities to recommend (or not) the applicant who is being assessed. Now transposing these criteria to my personal file, I very humbly believe that I have all the prerequisites, skills and abilities necessary to exercise the important duty of a judge.

Professional Skills and Experience

Throughout my career of over 29 years, I made every effort to offer my clients quality advice based on the highest standards.

Moreover, I have always promoted integrity and ethics with the younger lawyers that I had the opportunity to supervise or train as part of my career. By applying these rules of ethics, I was able to develop a varied and loyal clientele with whom the relationship was marked by transparency, honesty and integrity.

Moreover, I think I enjoy an excellent reputation, both with my colleagues and coworkers and with the judiciary. For over 25 years, I have helped young lawyers develop their professional work and many of them have, over the years, become excellent associates with whom I still share collegial relationships, even friendship. Throughout my career, I have pleaded many civil cases before both the Superior Court and the Court of Appeal. My court experience helped me acquire important expertise in civil litigation and important knowledge in procedural management, but also in evidence management and managing lengthy trials.

My experience also helped me expand my expertise from year to year in civil litigation and my knowledge in law, because I have always stayed current in doctrine and in case law.

Personal Qualities

Other than my professional skills, I am convinced that I have the personal qualities and abilities necessary for the important duty of a judge. In fact, although I have always preferred to leave it to others to judge my personality or my abilities and skills, I think I am an affable, diligent person who shows great integrity and transparency. Moreover, I have regularly been told that I am very transparent and that I have an excellent sense of listening.

Moreover, although I am a very patient and cheerful person, I know how to show firmness when this proves necessary.

Empathic and open-minded to the arguments of the parties, I am convinced that I will be able to rule in a well-thought-out manner and after serious analysis of the evidence submitted by both sides.

Moreover, my experience on the Motions Committee of the Barreau du Québec and my current experience with an Inquiry Committee of the Canadian Judicial Council allow me to very humbly affirm my assertions.

Furthermore, I think I am a balanced person who knows how to exercise good judgment in any situation and who also knows how to show restraint.

Citizens, most of whom will deal with justice only once on their life, are entitled to expect to testify before a judge who will listen to them in an impartial and courteous way, even when the situation proves difficult. I am convinced that my personality and my experience will help me manage more difficult hearings, while consistently maintaining the courtesy and calmness required to preside over a trial.

Life Experience

Over the years, I believe I have acquired the personal maturity and the legal maturity necessary to exercise the duty of a judge. My varied life experience has, to date, been very enriching. My ongoing involvement in the Barreau is part of this life experience, just like my community and social activities.

My Involvement

My involvement at the Bar of Montréal, the Barreau du Québec and later, the Federation of Law Societies, has enabled me to acquire extremely enriching experiences that are complementary to the practice of law.

As Bâtonnier du Québec, I think I was able to make my mark, and I acquired experience outside the practice of law but of great relevance.

Moreover, I have wonderful memories of my year as Bâtonnier and I am convinced that the members of my General Council also have wonderful memories. Our discussions were very productive, as well as friendly, thorough, respectful and extremely satisfying. My trips to Northern Quebec and my meeting with members of the Nunavik committees also gave me the opportunity to discover a welcoming, open people with a host of outstanding traditions, which added to my personal life experience.

6. Given the goal of ensuring that Canadians are able to look at the justices appointed to the bench and see their faces and life experience reflected there, you may, if you choose, provide information about yourself that you feel would assist in this objective.

Other than my professional experience, I would like to highlight some information that I think is useful for the purposes of assessing my application.

I am married to the daughter of an immigrant from the former Yugoslavia, now Croatia. As I previously indicated in this questionnaire , my father-in-law saved himself from the former Yugoslavia by rowing from the Dalmatian coast to the Italian coast. I had the opportunity to discuss on several occasions with him the great difficulties that he experienced at a young age, but also the beauty of his new Canadian homeland, a free and democratic country.

I am also the father of a three-year-old little girl.

I place great importance on my family and family values in general.