Ottawa-based defence lawyer Michael Spratt calls the move a 'dark day for the appearance of justice in Ontario.' Justices of the peace are selected by the attorney general from a list provided by an independent advisory committee. The changes followed a 2019 appearance by Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey on TVO's The Agenda, in which Downey indicated he wanted to increase diversity among judicial appointments. Over the past five years, no more than 28 justices of the peace were appointed at any one time in Ontario. John Struthers, president of the Criminal Lawyers Association, says he fears the legacy of the Ford government will linger a long time in the justice system, with justices typically spending decades on the bench.

Source: CBC News July 11, 2021 07:52 UTC