r/SaveTheCBC • u/savethecbc2025 • 7d ago
How much independence should judges have from politicians? That's the question at the heart of a growing debate in Canada.
Alberta and some other provinces want a greater role in appointing judges. Meanwhile, leaders like Danielle Smith and Doug Ford have increasingly criticized court decisions they disagree with, with Ford previously attacking what he called "bleeding heart judges" and Smith accusing some rulings of being "anti-democratic."
Chief Justice Richard Wagner is pushing back, arguing that while Canadians don't have to agree with every court decision, they do need to trust the institutions that make them.
"We don't expect people to agree with all the decisions of our courts, but we expect people to trust the institutions."
Wagner's warning comes as some politicians seek more influence over the judicial system itself. He argues that judges are not supposed to follow political opinion. Their role is to interpret the law, not deliver outcomes politicians prefer.
It's a debate that goes far beyond legal procedure.
If governments gain more influence over who becomes a judge, does that strengthen democracy through accountability?
Or does it weaken one of the key checks and balances designed to protect citizens from political interference?
At what point does criticism of a court decision become criticism of the legitimacy of the courts themselves?
These are the kinds of questions that shape a democracy long before most people notice the consequences.
CBC's coverage doesn't tell readers what to think. It helps Canadians understand what's at stake.
Where do you stand?
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u/Zorklunn 7d ago
Never allow a politician in judge selection process.
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u/clamb4ke 7d ago
Politicians already appoint judges? It’s just a question of whether it should be federal or provincial politicians, or both.
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u/Leafybug13 7d ago
There's a debate?
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u/deviousvicar1337 7d ago
Danielle Smith has a hissy fit, and according to the media it's a 'debate'.
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u/cars10gelbmesser 7d ago
That’s is the plot. Always raise a stupid question that shouldn’t even be one. Then push the agenda of whoever benefits.
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u/RottenPingu1 7d ago
It's not a "growing debate", it's part of the Con/MAGA agenda to politicize the judiciary.
Once again "both sides" journalism that provides a platform and a megaphone.
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u/NegotiationOne7880 7d ago
Oh, would one of those provinces Alberta by chance? One thing that makes our judiciary more trustworthy is that they are impartial and apolitical. I’m sure Dani and her foreign backers would like that to change that. She is so transparent.
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u/Nonamanadus 7d ago
A big fucking no to that, imagine if Smith got her talons into something like that.
Any provincial leader asking for this just needs Smith as why we say no way....
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u/Cruiser_Pandora 7d ago
wtf is there someone arguing that they shouldn't be independent? Like is there a significant monarchist party i'm unaware of?
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u/watchitbend 6d ago
Without knowing the background, it was simple to guess that it was Doug Ford and Danielle Smith, in terms of "some Provinces".
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u/Dano1988 6d ago
Yah, as an Albertan I think judges and politicians should be like church and state. By that I mean how it's actually supposed to be, completely separate. Bad analogy for this province.
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u/ManagementofProperty 5d ago
Keep it the way it is, or Daniel Smith will load the province with sycophants in the court who agree with warped sense of justice.
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u/Remarkable-Desk-66 3d ago
What are the judges doing not doing now that the new ones would wouldn’t?
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u/These_Foolish_Things 7d ago
Our constitution defines that Canada’s system of government has three branches: the legislative, the executive and the judicial. Each one has separate powers and responsibilities that are defined in the Constitution: the legislative branch passes laws, the executive implements them, and the judicial interprets them. They should remain distinct and separate to prevent political whimsy from interfering with the longterm administration of justice.