Expense claims become part of Lori Douglas inquiry

Expense claims filed by Manitoba associate chief justice Lori Douglas may become part of the already active inquiry into her conduct.

The Canadian Judicial Council began the inquiry in 2012 after a complaint of sexual harassment by Alex Chapman.

In August, CBC reported a new complaint had been sent to the CJC from Manitoba chief justice Glenn Joyal.

It focused on Douglas' use of an expense account provided to judges through Federal Judicial Affairs Canada. In a statement to CBC, Joyal said, "The concerns raised in this case relate to the use of public funds, about which no chief justice can or should be indifferent."

The independent counsel conducting the inquiry into the sexual harassment complaint is reviewing Joyal's letter.

Suzanne Cote will determine "whether the issues relating to associate chief justice Douglas' expenses should be explored within the scope of the ongoing inquiry."

A release from the CJC said no other steps are being taken at this time about the expense issue raised by Joyal.