QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Justice
Judicial Appointments
November 19, 2025
Minister, Robert Leckey was a member of the Quebec Bar for only seven years. However, the Judges Act requires that someone be a member of a provincial bar association for a minimum of 10 before being appointed as a judge. Furthermore, by pure coincidence, Judge Leckey campaigned against Quebec’s bills 21 and 96 and was a generous donor to the Liberal Party of Canada. Minister, I know that you think no price is too high to fight against Bill 21, but it also appears that fighting against Bill 21 can earn you a judgeship illegally. Will you suspend the judge pending the court’s decision on the validity of his appointment?
I do not wish to comment on the quality of judges after their appointment. I’m aware of the challenges in this case, but at the same time, it’s not my place to question the independence and impartiality of judges after they’ve been appointed.
It is extremely important to me that we protect the independence of the judiciary and the respect for the judiciary in the legal system. The administration of justice depends upon people respecting their independence. I think it would be inappropriate for me to comment in favour or against.
