Andrew Coyne: Quebecers pick their own justice and the feds are letting them do it

Announced last week, it was described in most news reports — where it was reported at all — as a “deal.” The government of Quebec would be given, for the first time, a formal say in the appointment of Supreme Court justices from the province, a prerogative hitherto reserved exclusively to the prime minister of Canada.

The board is supposed to propose a shortlist of three to five candidates, which is reviewed by various luminaries including the Chief Justice, the attorneys general of the provinces from which the candidates hail, “relevant cabinet ministers,” opposition justice critics, as well as the appropriate Commons and Senate committees, before being put to the prime minister — who can ignore them all if he wishes.

But now Quebec will also control how these are appointed; again, uniquely. This isn’t a formal constitutional amendment, nor is this the same as the proposal contained in the Meech Lake Accord, which would have explicitly required the prime minister to pick from provincial lists, and not only in Quebec but across the country. But, realistically, it’s the next thing to it.

Have them sign the Constitution first b4 making this kind of a concession.

We are at the point where we would be more than happy to turn Ottawa over to QC entirely, bid them farewell and Bon Chance.

8 million votes seems to buy a lot of accommodation...

Yet another reason for western alienation.

The Liberals wouldn't have the nerve to oppose ANYTHING Quebec proposes. Quebec pretty-much runs the counrty, runs the military, runs the federal public service. Was predicted back in the '70s after official bilingualism was proclaimed. And here we have it.

based on recent years pipelines issues Government has been doing a very poor job of picking judges at all levels.

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Quebec to have say in naming of next SCOC judge from Quebec after deal with fedsThe federal and Quebec governments have reached what the province is calling a historic deal that ensures it will play an active role in the process of selecting the next Supreme Court of Canada justice from Quebec. Why does the judge have to be from Quebec? Shouldn't the best candidate get the job, most qualified regardless of origin, sex, religion, colour or any other factor. Is this another quota system for JT? Oh tabernacles.
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Quebec to have say on its Supreme Court picksIt is the first time since the court was established in 1875 that a province has had its own appointment process Unbelievable recklessness Shameful.
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