Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a comment which may be followed by a question, if that is appropriate, at this time? Let me perhaps make the comment and you can then rule if I can have my question answered, in regard to my comment.
It is to do with the independence of the judiciary. I note specifically dealing with the item where the Chief Judge of the Territorial Court may serve a period of five years. That is subject to reappointment. I take it that is subject to reappointment by the Minister. My concern lies in the fact that I would like to relate that in terms of what is done in other jurisdictions. As well, does this impinge upon the independence of that particular judge? Are there duties of the Chief Judge that relate specifically to areas where his decisions are before a court, or is it strictly an administrative function that he is called a Chief Judge? That is the area of concern that I have.
The other area that I am curious about is on the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee. The lay representation being recommended to change from three to four. I am wondering again what the situation is in other jurisdictions and what our current situation is? Is the representation in other jurisdictions similar to what we have here with numbers? Is the balance there the same as what we have here? What I have heard from the committee report was that the appointments to the committee would be lay individuals, but could not be someone who is a lawyer now licenced in Canada. I am wondering if instead the bill states a legal person from any jurisdiction, meaning from anywhere around the world, because in essence we could have individuals from other jurisdictions, other than Canada, become citizens here and then become members of this committee. Those are my comments and I suppose questions, Mr. Chairman.
Just one further item, I would like a little more clarification on the area where a private citizen lays a complaint against one of the judges and seeks legal fees to handle that. I am wondering what is the system in place for that individual to seek financial support? Is it to the committee and are there guidelines established already for financial support? Thank you.