Filibuster Cartoons
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For many years, conservative activists and politicians here in Canada have demanded the government implement some fundamental changes to the way in which justices of the Canadian Supreme Court are chosen. Right now, the Prime Minister just picks people completely unilaterally, but critics have argued a more US-style process, whereby the parliament would have the power to interview and veto nominees, would be far more democratic. There is currently a vacancy on Canada’s high court so this debate has been particularly heated as of late.
New Prime Minister Stephen Harper has tried to satisfy his base with some token reforms to the process, but overall it’s pretty thin gruel. He will still appoint a judge unilaterally, but before said judge will take office he or she will attend a one time, three hour committee hearing, composed of appointed members of parliament. Like in the US, the hearing will be televised, but unlike in the US the committee will not have veto power. Indeed, they will not even be allowed to give an opinion on the Prime Minister’s nominee at all.
One might ask “so what’s the point,” and one would have a very good point indeed.
September 28th, 2011 at 11:32 am
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