News Release Archive
JUSTICE--MATHESON MATTER REFERRED TO JUDICIAL COUNCIL ------------------------------------------------------------ Justice Minister Bill Gillis today confirmed that Chief Judge Elmer MacDonald has referred the matter of Judge D. Lewis Matheson to the Judicial Council. On Dec. 12, 1995, Dr. Gillis asked the Chief Judge to look into the comments made by Judge Matheson in the sentencing of Colin Francis Boutilier. Today, the Governor in Council has appointed a Judicial Council composed of: Chief Justice Lorne Clarke, the Chief Justice of Nova Scotia; Chief Justice Constance Glube, Chief Justice, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; C. Richard Couglan, Q.C., president of the Barrister's Society of Nova Scotia; Associate Chief Justice Ian M. Palmeter, a Supreme Court judge designated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; and Michael B. Sherar, a judge of the Provincial Court designated by the Chief Judge. In sentencing Colin Francis Boutilier, His Honour Judge Lewis Matheson said, "I don't know, even having heard everything that was said, ah whether it's your own fault, or you happen to have a very sensitive mate who is easily rattled. I really don't know..." These comments raised the concerns of the Justice Minister and many members of the public. "The Chief Judge has acted in the manner he felt is appropriate," said Dr. Gillis. "I am sure the Judicial Council will convene as quickly as possible, and deal with the matter expeditiously." -30- Contact: Michele McKinnon 902-424-6811 trp Dec. 20, 1995