Department of Justice

TABLED REPORT ON FEDERAL COURT AND TAX COURT IN HOUSE OF COMMONS

OTTAWA, April 22, 1997, Gordon Kirkby, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, tabled the Report on the Federal Court of Canada and the Tax Court of Canada today in the House of Commons on behalf of the Minister.

Prepared by the Auditor General of Canada, the report recommends merging the Federal Court of Canada and the Tax Court of Canada. The report also recommends a number of cost-saving measures, including consolidating the Courts' administrative services and more effective use of technology.

In thanking the Auditor General, Minister Rock noted, "This comprehensive report will be of considerable value in assisting consultations between the government, the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs and the Courts on how best to achieve improved services and cost-efficiency."

Minister Rock has asked the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs to work with the Courts to find ways of achieving administrative efficiencies that could be realized immediately within the current institutional structure, without the need for legislative change. As recommendations for more far-reaching structural change, such as merger and regionalization, touch on broad questions of government organization, Minister Rock has asked his officials to initiate discussions with the Priv y Council Office.

"I will of course be asking the Courts for their views on the more far-reaching proposals and I am prepared to consider all options." said Minister Rock.

The Report was prepared at the request of Minister Rock, through an Order in Council in May of 1995.

Copies of the Report are available at the Office of the Auditor General of Canada at (613) 995-3708, and on the Internet at http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca

Ref.:  Johanne Senécal      Judith Bellis
       Minister's Office    Department of Justice   
       (613) 992-4621       (613) 941-2321