Lawyers urge government to hire judges to fix 'unacceptable delays' in criminal justice system

Lawyers from across the country are renewing calls for the federal government to speed up judicial appointments to lessen delaysthey say arecrippling Canada's justicesystem.

The Canadian Bar Association has written a letter to Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybouldsaying the shortage of judges is contributing to an "acute access to justice problem in Canada." The shortage is causing court delays that have "seriously undermined public confidence in our justice system," the letter reads.

CBA president RenBasque told CBC News "unacceptable delays" are affecting the administration of justice.

"It's taxing the whole system: the victims, the accused, the procedures," he said.

According to the website of the Office of the Commissioner for Judicial Affairs, there were 43 vacancies for federally appointed judges as of Dec. 1, 2016. And according to the Privy Council Office website, the situation is growing worse, with another 12 slated to resign or retire by Feb. 16.

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The issue of judge shortages and other factors that cause delays in the justice system was thrown in the spotlight last year with a Supreme Court ruling that put a limit on the time a case must reach trial.

The landmarkR. v.Jordan ruling imposes a deadline of 18 months for provincial court cases, or 30 months in a Superior Court, to uphold an accused person's Charter right to a trial without unreasonable delays. At least two murder cases were thrown out after the decision.

Steps to unclog court system

But Basque expects the ruling will have a positive impact in the long run becauseit will force politicians to take steps tounclog the court system.

Lawyers call for end to judge shortage

8 years ago

Duration 5:00

Canadian Bar Association President Rene Basque says justice delayed is justice not done

"It has brought it to light, and brought it to the forefront for decision-makers, the politicians," he said.

"Hopefully it will be on the front burner and they will act more quickly."

In October,Wilson-Raybouldappointed24 new judges and reformed the appointment process, including the makeup of judicial advisory committees that evaluate candidates for the bench and make recommendations to the minister.

No advisers appointed yet

Valrie Gervais, spokeswoman for the minister, confirmed that no appointments to the judicial advisory committees have been made to date, but saidthey are expected "very soon."

Meantime, hundreds of judicial applicationshave been submitted since the changes, awaiting assessment by the advisory committees. Peoplewho had applied before the new process was implementedwere required to reapply.

"Ensuring that criminal matters proceed efficiently and effectively through the justice system is a priority for the minister as well as for her provincial and territorial counterparts who are responsible for the administration of justice," Gervais said."The government continues to work with all stakeholders to respond to the pressures experienced by our courts across the country."