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Ben Woodfinden: Chief Justice Richard Wagner is disappointed in Canada

He is only one undermining the rule of law

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Each June, Chief Justice Richard Wagner holds a news conference, and each one tells you a little more about how he understands his job at the apex of the Supreme Court. This year’s brought the now-familiar themes, amongst them a warning that criticizing court decisions risks casting judges as “partisan actors” or as “obstacles to the will of the people.” A non-partisan judiciary, he said, one “sheltered from all politicization,” is essential to the rule of law. 

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He’s at least right that about the second part, but he has spent his tenure undermining the rule of law he claims to venerate. If the judiciary wants to be sheltered from all politicization, perhaps its chief justice ought not spend his Junes wading into political debate. You cannot appoint yourself a public commentator and then claim immunity from public comment. 

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