Advocates for the Rule of Law
Today’s elevation of Justice Richard Wagner to the position of Chief Justice is a welcome development. Justice Wagner’s collegiality and moderation will serve him well in his new role. His dissenting judgment in Saskatchewan Federation of Labour is an excellent example of understanding the judicial role vis-a-vis s. 2(d) of the Charter.
It is worth adding that the alleged “convention” that the new Chief Justice be from Quebec is a dubious one, and there should have been no legal issues with choosing a non-Quebecker. However, the fact that dubious arguments were made in favour of choosing Justice Wagner as the new Chief Justice does not mean that his choice is not a good one.
We wish Chief Justice Wagner warmest congratulations and nothing but the best in his new role.
