SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Bhutila Karpoche

  • MPP
  • Member of Provincial Parliament
  • Parkdale—High Park
  • New Democratic Party of Ontario
  • Ontario
  • 2849 Dundas St. W Toronto, ON M6P 1Y6 BKarpoche-CO@ndp.on.ca
  • tel: 416-763-5630
  • fax: 416-763-5640
  • BKarpoche-QP@ndp.on.ca

  • Government Page
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  • Mar/7/24 10:20:00 a.m.

Ontarians want an independent justice system, judges who are fair. The Conservatives have appointed two former staffers of the Premier’s office on the committee that selects judges, staffers who remain in close communication with the government through their roles as lobbyists.

When asked about it, Premier Ford said he wanted to appoint like-minded judges. And in the face of public pushback, what did the Premier do? He said he’s going to double down, triple down, quadruple down, even quintuple down. This might sound funny, but this is a serious issue. He’s a man on a mission.

Conservatives always talk about how meritocracy is the way to go, but it appears as long as you are with the same mindset as the Premier, you’re good to go. What happened to the fundamental principle of judges being neutral, of the impartiality of the courts? A judge who bows down to political pressure would be in clear breach of their oath of office.

Speaker, this is not only bad for the quality of the justice system but also for the perception of fairness of the courts by the public. People will feel like they’re being judged by Premier Ford, and I think it’s fair to say he’s not a good judge.

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I recognize the member from Willowdale on a point of order.

I turn back the member from Humber River–Black Creek

Next question?

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  • Dec/8/22 11:10:00 a.m.

A mother from my community wrote to me recently. Her daughter was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. In October of last year, they got a referral for SickKids. Over a year later, they are still waiting for that appointment.

They are far from alone. Tens of thousands of kids are on wait-lists for mental health services that can take up to two and a half years.

Speaker, my question is to the Premier. How long will the children of this province have to wait before they can get the health care service that they need?

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