QUESTION PERIOD — Justice
Transparency of Trials
March 31, 2022
Honourable senators, my question is for the Leader of the Government in the Senate.
Leader, I’m sure you know that there are some basic tenets of a free and democratic society that we call pillars, and one such pillar is a fundamental justice system in which trials are public.
It appears that RCMP investigators and federal prosecutors participated in a trial, but we do not know where or when it was held, nor do we know which judge, accused or lawyers were involved. Also, there is no transcript.
What is the justice minister’s role in this North Korea-esque phantom trial?
I thank the honourable senator for his question.
Transparency in our courts is a fundamental principle of our justice system, as you rightly pointed out.
I’m told that the minister is aware of the media reports on this trial, which was held in Quebec, and that he finds it deeply troubling. Court orders prevent me from commenting further. I was, however, informed that the minister has spoken with the Director of Public Prosecutions to shed some light on what has been reported.
Will the Minister of Justice commit to releasing all the essential facts used to justify this phantom trial? Will he commit to disclosing, at the very least, the name of the presiding judge?
I will have to ask the government and get back to you with an answer.
