Matlow Inquiry Continuing April 8, 2008

According to a Canada News Wire release today, the inquiry into the conduct of the Honourable Judge Ted Matlow of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice will be continuing with the hearing of fresh evidence next month:

The Honourable Clyde Wells, Chief Justice of Newfoundland and Labrador and Chairperson of the Inquiry Committee created to review the conduct of the Honourable Theodore Matlow, has indicated that the Inquiry Committee will be reconvening its proceedings to hear further evidence in this matter. The hearing will take place in Toronto on 8 April , 2008 at 10 a.m., at 180 Queen Street West (courtroom 7C), Toronto, Ontario. The hearing will be open to the public.

After the inquiry has concluded its work, the Committee will report its findings and its conclusions to the Canadian Judicial Council in respect of whether or not a recommendation should be made for the removal of Justice Matlow from office. The Council will then decide whether to make a recommendation to the Minister of Justice that Justice Matlow be removed from office for any of the reasons set out in section 65(2) of the Judges Act. In accordance with Canada's Constitution, a judge may only be removed from office through a joint resolution of Parliament. The Council's mandate, under the Judges Act, is to make a recommendation in that regard. The Canadian Judicial Council is composed of the chief justices and associate chief justices of Canada's superior courts. Information about the Council, including documents related to the Inquiry Committee in this matter, can be found on the Council's website: www.cjc.gc.ca

It is both surprising and interesting that new evidence is now to be considered in this matter. The Toronto Star reported on January 11, 2008 that the inquiry hearings had concluded and that the panel had reserved its decision.

- Garry J. Wise, Toronto

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