Another day, another Liberal Party donor appointed to the bench..The Commons justice committee declined to investigate party vetting of judicial appointments, says Blacklock’s Reporter..Michel Bourque, a Calgary tax lawyer, was appointed justice of Alberta’s Court of Queen’s Bench..“I wish Justice Bourque every success as he takes on his new role,” Attorney General David Lametti said in a statement..“I am confident he will serve the people of Alberta well..Bourque was a regular contributor to the Liberal Party with 95 separate donations over the past four years, according to Elections Canada filings..Bourque’s contributions totaled $14,497..The newly-appointed judge over the same period also contributed a total $8,388 to the Alberta New Democratic Party, the opposition in the provincial legislature..Alberta Liberals have not won an Alberta election since 1917..Bourque could not be reached for comment..Cabinet announced his appointment one business day after Parliament adjourned for its Christmas recess..MPs on the Commons justice committee last June 15 rejected a Conservative proposal to review court appointments of “a list of Liberal Party members, supporters, volunteers and donors” proposed by Conservative MP Michael Cooper (St. Albert-Edmonton)..“This raises questions about whether certain candidates for appointments were given preferential treatment,” said Cooper..Cabinet on one day last July 2 appointed four separate Liberal donors to the bench..“I am confident they will serve the people,” Lametti said at the time..“There have been allegations substantiated about political interference directed by the Prime Minister’s Office with respect to the appointment of judges,” said Cooper..Canadians “deserve to know the judges that are appointed are the best qualified to serve,” he said..Liberal MP James Maloney (Etobicoke-Lakeshore, Ont.), son of a former Ontario Supreme Court judge, said he was disturbed and offended by suggestions political donors were given preference in appointments..“There are many lawyers who are practicing in the courts in every jurisdiction in Canada who are active politically,” said Maloney..“Should that, does that disqualify them from being appointed to the bench? No, of course not. It’s outrageous to suggest that..“This motion troubles me, disturbs me, and frankly it offends me. Let me also add our justice minister is one of the most ethical, decent, honest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. This motion suggests that might be in question. That alone is incredibly offensive..“I find that deeply offensive.”
