The appellant, a judge of the Court of Québec, had a criminal record from 1971 for assisting members of the FLQ, for which he received a pardon in 1987.
When applying for judicial office, he failed to disclose his criminal record and pardon to the selection committee.
After his appointment, the Minister of Justice learned of his past and lodged a complaint.
The Conseil de la magistrature recommended his removal, and the Court of Appeal subsequently issued a report recommending revocation of his commission.
The Supreme Court of Canada held it had jurisdiction to hear the appeal, upheld the constitutionality of the removal process, found no breach of procedural fairness or equality rights, and affirmed that the pardon did not allow the appellant to deny his past.
The Court concluded that the appellant's lack of candour undermined public confidence, justifying his removal.
