Ford doubles-down on wanting ‘like-minded judges’ in provincial courts

Premier Doug Ford has found himself under fire once again after doubling down on wanting “like-minded judges” in the court system.

The legislature was the scene of another heated debate on Monday where opposition fired back at the Ford government saying this isn’t “the United States where politicians stack the courts.”

It was Friday when the Premier defended his government’s appointments of two former staffers to a committee that helps to select provincial judges, adding that the Conservatives were elected to get people who think like them appointed.

The committee, composed of three judges, three lawyers and seven members of the public, reviews applications and conducts interviews for prospective Ontario Court judges before sending a ranked list of its recommendations to the attorney general, who makes the final appointment.

READ MORE: Colleges, universities play role in solutions to housing crisis: report

Ford says that judges and justices of the peace are too lenient on criminals and are letting people out on bail too frequently.

“Mr. Speaker, they’re kicking doors in, they’re putting guns to people’s heads and guess what happens Mr. Speaker, they get out on bail and then they get out,” Ford told members gatherers at Queen’s Park before shifting to the impact of an increase in crime on Ontario families.

“They’re terrified to stay at home by themselves. They want to go everywhere their parents go because they’re terrified. So I am going to make sure we have like-minded judges.”

Opposition leaders, however, did not shy away from sparring back at Ford.

READ MORE: Ford defends political appointments to judge selection committee

“I certainly will not take lessons from this Premier on law and order and I think it’s very chilling that today we are seeing that this government and Premier are digging in on the politicization and partisanship of our judiciary.” NDP leader Marit Stiles told reporters.

“It’s just un-Canadian to suggest, you know, I want to stack this court,” said Liberal MP John Fraser.

When asked if the federal Liberals are doing the same in stacking the courts at the country-wide level, Fraser said, “What I know is what I’ve done here in Ontario, worked with a former Premier, worked in a government, I know the basis on which judicial appointments are made.”

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association also criticized the conservative government, saying Ford’s comments showed a “motivation” towards altering the works of justice and that the system should instead remain non-partisan.