Democracy Watch files legal challenge of Ford government's tribunal appointment process - 2020-07-16
Democracy Watch files legal challenge of Ford government's tribunal appointment process July 16, 2020,
Doug Downey the Attorney General of Ontario makes a speech during the ceremony. New Superior Court Chief Justice Geoffrey Morawetz is sworn-in during a ceremony at 361 University in the largest courtroom, 6-1 in Toronto. September 9, 2019. Steve Russell/Toronto Star
An ethics watchdog has filed a legal challenge to the Ford government's new appointment process for Ontario's tribunals over concerns that it weakens the political independence of the decision-making bodies.
Democracy Watch says it has filed an application for judicial review in Ontario Superior Court to strike down the process for naming members to the Human Rights Tribunal, Landlord and Tenant Board, Ontario Civilian Police Commission and 29 other quasi-judicial tribunals in the province on the grounds it violates the constitutional principles of administrative tribunal independence and the rule of law.