Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appointed another long-time Liberal party donor to a Canadian court of law.
According to Blacklock’s Reporter, Attorney General David Lametti made the announcement on Monday. The judge in question, Michel Bourque, was appointed justice of Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench.
Bourque’s appointment was announced one day after Parliament went on Christmas recess.
“I wish Justice Bourque every success as he takes on his new role. I am confident he will serve the people of Alberta well,” said Lametti.
Bourque has donated extensively to the Liberal party over the past four years. His contributions total $14,497 spread out over 95 different donations.
Additionally, Bourque has contributed a total of $8,388 to the Alberta New Democratic Party.
Conservatives have accused the Liberals of stacking judicial benches in their favour from a pool of ardent party supporters.
This summer, Conservative MP Michael Cooper put forward a motion in the Commons justice committee to review court appointments which he characterized as “a list of Liberal Party members, supporters, volunteers and donors.”
“This raises questions about whether certain candidates for appointments were given preferential treatment,” said Cooper of his motion.
“There have been allegations substantiated about political interference directed by the Prime Minister’s Office with respect to the appointment of judges.”
Cooper’s motion was rejected by the Liberals who claimed the suggestion that they were stacking the courts was offensive.
“There are many lawyers who are practicing in the courts in every jurisdiction in Canada who are active politically,” said Liberal MP James Maloney. “Should that, does that disqualify them from being appointed to the bench? No, of course not. It’s outrageous to suggest that.”
Maloney went on to claim that he found the motion troubling, disturbing and offensive.
“Let me also add our justice minister is one of the most ethical, decent, honest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” he said. “This motion suggests that might be in question. That alone is incredibly offensive.”
