DIV 108 Under The Robes: Diversity on the Bench Matters

Under the Robes: Diversity on the Bench Matters  (DIV 108)

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Facilitated by Provincial Court of Manitoba Judge Kael McKenzie

When I was appointed to the bench there was much said in the media about the fact that I am transgender.  Many asked, “Why does this matter?”  It is a valid question because justice is supposed to be blind and judges are supposed to be unbiased.  In theory a Judge’s personal characteristics are irrelevant, but the reality is that we each bring our own unique experience and perspective to the difficult task of Judging especially with sensitive cases.  Does or should the Judiciary reflect Canadian Society?  What issues does diversity raise for the public? What if any barriers are there to judicial appointment?  Who if anyone should be excluded? Join us for a discussion on why diversity on the bench matters.

Proceeds from this lecture will seed the funding of the expansion of Amici Curiae's Temporary Foreign Worker Uncontested Divorce Project.