The Hon. John Turner

This interview with former Justice Minister John Turner provides valuable insights into his role in appointing Bora Laskin to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1970 and Laskin’s subsequent elevation to Chief Justice in 1973. Turner discusses the Canadian Bar Association committee system he established for judicial appointments, featuring three senior members from each province chaired by Jack Campbell. He reveals that Prime Minister Trudeau was particularly influential in Laskin’s appointment due to their shared academic backgrounds and constitutional views, though the appointment was controversial in Western Canada and Quebec.

Turner offers candid observations about Laskin’s personality and judicial relationships, noting tensions with Federal Court Chief Justice Wilbur Jackett and conflicts with Justice Willard Estey that led to Estey’s early retirement. The interview covers significant legal developments including the Breathalyser Reference case, which was Laskin’s first major Supreme Court decision, and Turner’s role in drafting the Federal Court Act. Turner also discusses his opposition to Trudeau’s controversial decision to appoint Laskin as Chief Justice over the more senior Justice Ronald Martland, breaking the traditional seniority system.

The discussion extends to broader judicial reforms, including changes to the Supreme Court Act regarding leave to appeal procedures that Turner initiated to manage the court’s growing workload. Turner reflects on the transition from Diefenbaker’s Bill of Rights to the later Charter of Rights and Freedoms, expressing his preference for the more limited legislative approach over constitutional judicial activism.

This description was written by AI and may contain some inaccuracies.