Beverly McLachlin retired from the Supreme Court of Canada this week, after 28 years on the court and 17 years as its chief. In her final press conference, Chief Justice McLachlin stressed the importance of shielding the judiciary from political interference. From the National Observer:
“We have deep respect for our Charter of Rights and Freedoms among the people of Canada, and we have a public that values an independent judiciary, which is the best defence,” said McLachlin.
“If people stand up and say, ‘We can’t attack our judiciary, we want an independent judiciary,’ that is — in a democracy such as ours — the best way to preserve the rule of law and judicial independence.”
The Prime Minister’s statement on Chief Justice McLachlin’s retirement is here.
