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Letter: Letter writer needs to get his facts straight on former justice minister

Jody Wilson-Raybould was more than qualified for the position
2019-03-30 jody wilson-raybould
Jody Wilson-Raybould. Photo/ The Canadian Press

Frank H. Madigan in Northern Life’s Thursday March 28 edition (see letter "Marc Serré and Justin Trudeau still get my vote") has stated Justin Trudeau appointed someone unqualified as Minister of Justice and Attorney General in the person of Jody Wilson-Raybould. 

Am I the only reader wincing? 

There is also a strong suggestion in his letter this appointment was made on the basis of Ms. Wilson-Raybould’s gender and ethnic background. This is rather an insult to both the Prime Minister and Ms. Wilson-Raybould. 

Is Mr. Madigan actually aware of her credentials? His comments simply do not hold water.

The position Jody Wilson-Raybould held has this job description. This is a direct and easily accessible quote.

“The Minister of Justice has lead responsibility for 46 Acts of Parliament and shared responsibility for another six acts and areas of federal law by ensuring a bilingual and bijural national legal framework. The responsibilities include a number of legal policy areas, such as criminal justice (including youth criminal justice), family law, access to justice, Aboriginal justice, public law, and private international law.

“The Attorney General protects the interests of the Crown by litigating on behalf of the Crown and by providing legal advice to the Government, departments and agencies of government.”

Jody Wilson-Raybould earned a law degree from UBC (where Mr. Trudeau earned a B. Ed) and then was called to the bar. She served as BC Crown prosecutor for three years. She was regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations from 2009-2015. 

While it is true she does not speak French, neither do the vast majority of Canadians. On the other hand, she is part of another culture named in the job description. How many previous Canadian Ministers of Justice and Attorney Generals can claim that? 

I doubt the Prime Minister could have found anyone more qualified, experienced, elected and, therefore, available for his cabinet.

Mr. Madigan might also not be aware the Prime Minister’s work experience and educational qualifications prior to becoming an MP and then Prime Minister are less impressive?

I really don’t care who Mr. Madigan votes for and why, but please get the facts correct at least.

Rochelle Hatton
Sudbury