Groups challenge decision allowing judge involved in U of T controversy to keep job
Complainants are challenging a review body decision that allowed a federal judge to keep his job after he was accused of bias against Palestinians over his views on a proposed university appointment.
Several groups and individuals who complained last year about Justice David Spiro's actions want the Federal Court to overturn the Canadian Judicial Council's ruling that while Spiro made serious mistakes, he should remain on the bench.
A notice of application was filed with the court Wednesday by the National Council of Canadian Muslims, the Arab Canadian Lawyers Association, the Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association, Independent Jewish Voices, and academics Craig Scott and Leslie Green.
A panel convened by the judicial council found Spiro, a federal Tax Court judge, should not have weighed in on the appointment of Valentina Azarova as director of the International Human Rights Program of the University of Toronto's law faculty.
Azarova is an international law and human rights scholar based in Germany who has been critical of Israel's treatment of Palestinians.
The judicial council said last month the panel had concluded that while Spiro made mistakes, these were not serious enough to warrant a recommendation for his removal from office.
Before becoming a judge, Spiro was a member of the board of directors at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. In September of last year, Spiro learned from a centre staff member about Azarova's imminent appointment, and the judge was asked whether he could approach the dean of the law faculty to relay these concerns.
Spiro said it would be inappropriate to approach the dean. However, in a phone conversation the following day with an official and friend from the university, Spiro mentioned the controversial nature of the appointment from the perspective of the Jewish community and the potential damage to the reputation of the university, the judicial council said.
Spiro had been an engaged alumnus of the faculty who supported it financially and professionally, and from the review panel's perspective this is what prompted the judge's discussion with the university official, the council noted.
The review panel concluded that nothing in Spiro's career or work supported the suggestion of perceived bias on his part against Palestinian, Arab or Muslim interests.
"The fear of bias on the part of Justice Spiro is based on misinformation and speculation that is inaccurate," the council said.
In their filing to the Federal Court, the complainants say the reasons for allowing Spiro to stay on "were not justified, transparent and intelligible."
They seek a declaration from the court that a threshold has been met requiring the judicial council to take the next step of holding an inquiry into Spiro's actions, which could lead to his removal.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Flights divert around western Iran as one report claims explosions heard near Isfahan
Commercial flights began diverting their routes early Friday morning over western Iran without explanation as one semiofficial news agency in the Islamic Republic claimed there had been 'explosions' heard over the city of Isfahan.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.