As an elected official, Premier David Eby’s public comments criticizing recent court decisions on Aboriginal rights and title can undermine the rule of law and threaten the independence of the judiciary. Judges make impartial decisions free from political and public pressure.
The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch is deeply concerned about his irresponsible comments that frame court decisions as “dramatic, overreaching and unhelpful.” It’s hard to understate the damage that can be done by exerting political pressure on judges to align their rulings with the government of the day.
We urge Premier Eby to be more responsible with his public comments.
About CBABC:
The Canadian Bar Association is the professional organization representing 40,000 lawyers, judges and law students across Canada with over 8,200 members in British Columbia. CBABC members practice at the forefront of the justice system, providing services to British Columbians in every area of law. CBABC is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish and Musqueam First Nations.