On Wednesday, Associate Chief Justice Holmes will release a ruling in the extradition case of Chinese telecom executive Meng Wanzhou that could shape Canada-China relations for years to come
It is an extradition case like no other in Canadian history. China detained two Canadians, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, in apparent reprisal for the RCMP’s arrest of Ms. Meng Dec. 1, 2018, on a request from the United States. And the legal issue is novel, too, because while Ms. Meng is charged with fraud, her lawyers say the case is really about evading U.S. sanctions against Iran – which, if true, would mean the crime she is accused of does not exist in Canada.
“I would be surprised if any judge in her position wouldn’t understand the huge consequence for Canada and for the lives of those two people in prison,” former B.C. attorney-general Brian Smith said.“But everyone I’ve talked to has the highest regard for her fairness and independence.” What kind of judge is she? At times cautious – she wouldn’t allow the news media to broadcast the four-day first phase of the court proceedings in January – and at other times bold. In 2012, she ruled that retroactive parole provisions in a Harper-era criminal law were unconstitutional. In 2005, she ruled a portion of a four-year-old federal anti-gang law unconstitutional.
In the B.C. court, that position carries responsibility for managing criminal cases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she has overseen technological changes that allow the court to conduct some hearings by video conference, lawyer Richard Fowler said. She was also responsible for ensuring that the courts changed their bail processes after a Supreme Court of Canada decision last year mandated bail reviews after 90 days for those held in pre-trial detention, he said.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Free to go or closer to extradition? What to expect from Wednesday's Meng Wanzhou decisionAt 11 a.m. Wednesday, a B.C. Supreme Court judge will publish a decision that could have global implications.
Read more »
China-Canada relations hang in the balance with Meng rulingIf Meng Wanzhou regains her freedom, it could open the door to China considering the release of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, and reduce tensions between the two countries
Read more »
Days before B.C. court decision on Huawei’s Meng, China threatens ‘damage’ to relations with CanadaWarnings come amid new signals that if court sets Meng free, Beijing might release Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor
Read more »
Evening Update: Canadian Forces report on Ontario care homes ‘deeply disturbing,’ Trudeau says; China threatens ‘damage’ to relations with Canada ahead of Meng rulingAlso: Police seize trucks, guns and drugs in crackdown on towing industry crime
Read more »
China-Canada relations hang in the balance with Meng rulingIf Meng Wanzhou regains her freedom, it could open the door to China considering the release of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, and reduce tensions between the two countries
Read more »
Free to go or closer to extradition? What to expect from Wednesday's Meng Wanzhou decisionAt 11 a.m. Wednesday, a B.C. Supreme Court judge will publish a decision that could have global implications.
Read more »