Department of Justice

THE MINISTER OF JUSTICE ANNOUNCES PROPOSALS ON THE REFORM OF THE FEDERAL COURT OF CANADA AND THE TAX COURT OF CANADA

OTTAWA , June 25, 1998 - Today, Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced proposed structural reforms of the Federal Court of Canada and the Tax Court of Canada.

Proposals include the consolidation of the current administrative services of the two Courts into a single Courts Administration Service; the creation of a separate Federal Court of Appeal; and an increase in the status of the Tax Court to that of a Superior Court. The Minister indicated she will introduce legislation in the fall.

These proposals are responsive in part to the Auditor General's 1997 Report on the Federal Court of Canada and Tax Court of Canada, which was conducted as a result of an order in council requested by then Minister of Justice, Allan Rock. Serious consideration was given to all of the Report's recommendations. Together, the three proposed reforms will contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the Auditor General's recommendations by improving the efficiency of the Federal Court of Canada and the Tax Court of Canada, while enhancing their effectiveness and fully respecting their independence.

"The current overall structure of the Federal Court and the Tax Court is essentially sound. The proposals are in keeping with recommendations made by the Auditor General in his 1997 report that called for improved coordination in the administrative management of the Federal and Tax Courts. Our goal is to achieve substantial efficiencies through administrative consolidation," said the Minister.

The proposed reforms have been developed in consultation with the Federal Court, the Tax Court and the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs. Discussions about the administrative service model will continue through the summer to ensure its operational effectiveness.

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Ref.:      Johanne Senécal          Judith Bellis
           Minister's Office        Judicial Affairs Unit
           (613) 992-4621           (613) 941-2321