Politics & Law Collide In Judges Ruling on CWB (Canadian Wheat Board)

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The recent ruling by Justice Douglas Campbell stating that Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz “breached his statutory duty” by proceeding with Bill C-18 before holding a vote among eligible farmers is raising some questions about law vs politics.

Judge Campbell’s ruling puts the Canadian justice and political systems at odds and in some murky waters. The Federal government immediately responded by saying that the ruling would have no effect on the governments plans for the future of the CWB.

There are a lot more questions raised by this decision than answered. What exactly does this ruling mean for Bill C-18? What legal implications are there in that Minister Ritz ” breached his statutory duty”? What does this mean for the future of the Canadian Wheat Board? Most importantly, who holds the power in these cases?

See more about the CWBboondoggle

To talk about these issues I spoke with University of Ottawa Associate Professor of Law, Dr. Carissima Mathen.  Her expertise is in the area of constitutional law.  We asked about the judge’s “stunning decision” and what she thinks will happen next.

You can follow her on twitter at @cmathen.

If you cannot see the embedded video below click here.

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