Canadian Judicial Council 2005-2006 Annual Report

The Canadian Judicial Council has released Justice Matters, its 2005-2006 Annual Report.

"In 2005-06, the Council approved several important initiatives created by its committees to support judges in improving access to justice. These tools include principles for dealing with self-represented litigants, model policy on access to court records, research into alternate models of court administration, and jury instructions designed to minimize the risk associated with dismissed cases".

"The Council also continues to carry out its important mandate of reviewing complaints against federally appointed judges. Canadians expect and deserve the highest standards of conduct from their judges, and the Council fulfills a key responsibility in this regard".

The Council is chaired by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, and consists of 39 chief justices and associate chief justices.

Its role is to improve the quality of judicial service. The Council’s work also includes investigating complaints from the public and from government regarding the conduct of federally appointed judges.