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Top court to look at whether challenge of ethics ruling in Trudeau case can proceed

The Supreme Court of Canada will hear oral arguments this week over whether courts can review a federal ethics report that cleared former prime minister Justin Trudeau in the WE Charity case, with the appeal asking if judicial review is appropriate.
The legal fight began when Democracy Watch applied for judicial review, alleging errors in Mario Dion's June 2021 report that found Trudeau did not breach the Conflict of Interest Act.
The Liberal federal government selected WE Charity in 2020 to administer a multimillion-dollar student volunteer program, while Trudeau family members participated in events and paid activities for the charity.
The Federal Court of Appeal dismissed Democracy Watch's application, saying political oversight can be an adequate alternative and accountability is meant to lie primarily with the legislative branch.
That legal tension positions the Supreme Court to decide whether the Conflict of Interest Act’s 'dual parliamentary and judicial oversight' limits courts, with Democracy Watch urging common-law courts to protect lawful public administration.

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Top court asked to allow challenge of decision clearing Trudeau of ethics breach in WE Charity controversy

Canada's top court heard final arguments on Thursday in a case resurfacing former prime minister Justin Trudeau's role in the WE Charity scandal, which could bring sweeping changes to how Canadians hold their elected officials accountable.

7 days ago·Canada

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