OTTAWA, August 27, 2004 -- Minister of Justice Irwin Cotler today released the following statement, following receipt of the report of the interim Ad Hoc Committee on the Appointment of Supreme Court Judges:

"I am delighted that the ad hoc committee recognizes and acknowledges that Madam Justice Rosalie Abella and Madam Justice Louise Charron are "eminently qualified" for appointment to the Supreme Court of Canada. It is yet another validation of these two outstanding jurists.

"I also note that while the committee regarded the process as being imperfect, it acknowledged that the public hearings increased public awareness and knowledge of the Supreme Court, how its members are appointed and the qualifications of the candidates."

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Ref.:

Denise Rudnicki
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Justice
(613) 992-4621