A judicial watchdog says a Quebec Superior court judge accused of buying cocaine should be tossed from bench for misleading an inquiry into his conduct.
In a report issued to Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould today, a majority of the 23-member Canadian Judicial Council found Michel Girouard guilty of misconduct for misleading an inquiry into the suspected transaction. Three members dissented.
A council committee concluded in November 2017 that the judge attempted to mislead and conceal the truth during the review process. The council agreed with that finding.
"The judge's integrity has been fatally compromised, public confidence in the judiciary has been undermined and the judge has become incapacitated or disabled from the due execution of his office of judge," the report reads. "For that reason, we recommend that the Judge be removed from office."
RAW : Video shows judge giving money to convicted drug dealer0:24
Girouard was captured on video on Sept. 17, 2010, allegedly buying an illicit substance — two weeks before his appointment to the bench.
During the subsequent inquiry, he failed to provide a "simple, rational, coherent, all-encompassing or satisfying explanation for his actions," according to the report.
According to Canada's Constitution, a joint resolution of Parliament is required to remove a judge.
Wilson-Raybould's office said the minister will read and consider the CJC's findings and "act in due course."
"She thanks both the Inquiry Committee and the members of the Canadian Judicial Council for their important work," said her spokesman David Taylor in an email.
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