The Conservative Party denounced the appointment of a judge to the Superior Court of Quebec who would have benefited from “preferential treatment” because he was associated with an organizer and contributor of the Liberal Party of Canada.
• Read also: Magistracy: Lebouthillier would have insisted on appointing a judge
“Under the Trudeau Liberals, their friends in high places and their political donors received preferential treatment when it comes to appointing judges. We now learn that several ministers have worked together to appoint a high-ranking friend to the post of judge, ”Conservative candidates Michael Barrett and Pierre Paul-Hus said in a statement.
the Investigation office revealed Friday that the Minister of National Revenue elected in Gaspésie – Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Diane Lebouthillier, “insisted a lot” on the selection of Damien St-Onge, who will finally be appointed judge of the Superior Court in 2019 .
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Minister Diane Lebouthillier would have “vigorously supported” the appointment of Justice St-Onge.
Mr. St-Onge was an associate of William Assels, who was a contributor and organizer of Ms. Lebouthillier’s campaign in 2015.
“The Liberals promised a ‘merit-based’ judicial appointment process. In effect, they did the opposite. Their record is one of nominations of Liberals, supporters and donors, ”said MM. Barrett and Paul-Hus.
The decision of the Minister of Justice, David Lametti, to appoint Mr. St-Onge was not illegal. However, it came at the expense of another candidate who had received a more favorable recommendation.
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