Canada’s new Justice Minister, Arif Virani, is determined to address the issue of judicial vacancies promptly, a problem that has plagued his predecessors. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Virani to replace David Lametti in his latest cabinet shuffle, aiming to refresh the Liberal benches after nearly eight years in power.
Although the cabinet changes were intended to respond to economic challenges, crime has become a pressing concern for many Canadians, with the Opposition Conservatives making it a focal point of their criticism. A recent report from Statistics Canada revealed an increase in violent crime last year, suggesting a potential trend reversal following the COVID-19 pandemic’s arrival, which brought a decrease in crime due to lockdowns and restrictions.
One of the challenges facing Arif Virani is the shortage of judges, leading to delays in court proceedings. As of July 1, there were 81 vacancies in federally appointed judicial positions across the country. This issue persisted under previous ministers, prompting Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Richard Wagner to personally warn Trudeau about the urgent need to expedite the appointment process.
Virani aims to take a fresh approach to tackle the problem. He plans to give “marching orders” to his staff in the Minister’s Office and the Department of Justice to act expeditiously without compromising on quality. He acknowledges that a lack of applicants is one of the main challenges, emphasizing the importance of diversity in Canada. To address this, he intends to reach out to lawyers from diverse backgrounds, such as South Asian, Black, Indigenous, and other underrepresented groups, encouraging them to see themselves as potential judges.
To foster cooperation and efficiency, Virani believes it’s crucial for staff in his office to work in tandem with the Prime Minister’s Office. Drawing from experiences with successfully resettling Syrian refugees in the past, he plans to apply some of those lessons to address the judicial vacancies.
When Parliament reconvenes in September, Arif Virani will focus on guiding Bill C-48 through the House of Commons. The proposed legislation aims to make it more difficult for individuals accused of certain violent offenses to obtain bail. This move comes in response to widespread calls from provincial premiers and police chiefs earlier this year, urging the federal government to strengthen its rules following a series of high-profile violent crimes.