Kayhan et al. v. Greve [Indexed as: Kayhan v. Greve]
92 O.R. (3d) 139
Ontario Superior Court of Justice,
Divisional Court,
Cunningham A.C.J., Stayshyn and Kitely JJ.
June 27, 2008
Civil procedure -- Jury notice -- Plaintiffs moving to strike jury notice in civil action on ground that main plaintiff was Muslim woman of Afghani descent who would not receive fair trial due to racism and current political climate -- Trial judge erring in taking judicial notice that there was reasonable apprehension that there could be bias on part of jury and in striking jury notice on that basis.
Evidence -- Judicial notice -- Plaintiffs moving to strike jury notice in civil action on ground that main plaintiff was Muslim woman of Afghani descent who would not receive fair trial due to racism and current political climate -- Trial judge erring in taking judicial notice that there was reasonable apprehension that there could be bias on part of jury and in striking jury notice on that basis.
The defendant in an action for damages arising out of a motor vehicle accident served a jury notice. At the commencement of the trial, the plaintiffs brought a motion to strike the jury notice on the ground that the main plaintiff was a Muslim- Canadian woman of Afghani descent and would not receive a fair trial because of the post-9/11 political climate, the politically controversial war in Afghanistan and the existence of racism in Canada. After referring to his awareness as a member of the public of the considerable amount of animosity towards Muslims that existed today, the trial judge stated that he was taking judicial notice that there was "a reasonable apprehension that there could be bias on the part of the jury based on a system where there are no checks". The motion was granted. The defendant appealed. [page140]
Held, the appeal should be allowed.
Per Cunningham A.C.J. and Stayshyn JJ.: The trial judge erred in relying on judicial notice to support his decision that there was a reasonable apprehension that there could be bias on the part of the jury. It was not possible to recognize the "facts" that he did as being so notorious as to be beyond the scope of reasonable debate. Furthermore, the behavioural link between the existence of a lack of impartiality and the inability to set those biases aside was not established.
Challenges for cause are undesirable in civil cases. There is the potential for never having civil jury cases in Ontario involving members of minority groups who may feel aggrieved. That would be a wholly untenable result and does not accord with Canada's reputation as an open and tolerant multicultural society. Moreover, there would be considerable delay and expense involved in many civil cases in large urban centres.
Per Kitely J. (concurring): The issue of challenge for cause in civil cases in Ontario is one that requires a legislative response.
APPEAL from an order of Borkovich J. striking a jury notice.
Cases referred to R. v. Find, [2001] 1 S.C.R. 863, [2001] S.C.J. No. 34, 2001 SCC 32, 199 D.L.R. (4th) 193, 269 N.R. 149, J.E. 2001-1099, 146 O.A.C. 236, 154 C.C.C. (3d) 97, 42 C.R. (5th) 1, 82 C.R.R. (2d) 247, 49 W.C.B. (2d) 595, apld Other cases referred to Abou-Marie v. Baskey (2001), 2001 28013 (ON SC), 56 O.R. (3d) 360, [2001] O.J. No. 4898 (S.C.J.); Al-Haddad v. London & Middlesex County Roman Catholic Separate School Board, [1996] O.J. No. 4675, 24 O.T.C. 396, 35 C.P.C. (4th) 179, 1996 CarswellOnt 5047 (Gen. Div.); Amana Imports Canada v. Guardian Insurance Co. of Canada (2002), 2002 49403 (ON SC), 57 O.R. (3d) 587, [2002] O.J. No. 5663 (S.C.J.); Housen v. Nikolaisen, [2002] 2 S.C.R. 235, [2002] S.C.J. No. 31, 2002 SCC 33, 211 D.L.R. (4th) 577, 286 N.R. 1, [2002] 7 W.W.R. 1, J.E. 2002-617, 219 Sask. R. 1, 10 C.C.L.T. (3d) 157, 30 M.P.L.R. (3d) 1, 112 A.C.W.S. (3d) 991; King v. Colonial Homes Ltd., 1956 13 (SCC), [1956] S.C.R. 528, [1956] S.C.J. No. 32, 4 D.L.R. (2d) 561 Statutes referred to Courts of Justice Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.43, ss. 108(1) [as am.] Juries Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. J-3 Juries Act, S.N.S. 1998, c. 16, s. 16(3) Jury Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. J-3, s. 12(2) Jury Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 242, s. 20 Jury Act, R.S.P.E.I. 1988, c. J-5.1, s. 20 Jury Act, R.S.N.W.T. 1988, c. J-2, s. 20 Jury Act, 1991, S.N.L. 1991, c. 16, s. 31 The Jury Act, C.C.S.M. c. J30, s. 33 The Jury Act, 1998, S.S. 1998, c. J-4.2, s. 28 Rules and regulations referred to Rules of Civil Procecure, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194
David J. Levy, for plaintiffs (respondents). Robert H. Rogers, for defendant (appellant). [page141]
CUNNINGHAM A.C.J. (STAYSHYN J. concurring): -- Background
Background
1This is an appeal from the order of Borkovich J. dated January 8, 2007 wherein he granted the plaintiffs' motion to strike the defendant's jury notice at the commencement of trial. The action arose out of a motor vehicle accident involving the plaintiff, Hasina Kayhan, and the defendant, Hildegard Greve, which occurred November 16, 1999. In her statement of claim, amongst other things, the plaintiff alleges she sustained serious and permanent personal injuries. The defendant served a jury notice along with her statement of defence in February 2001.
2This trial was to commence January 8, 2007 before Borkovich J. and a jury at Hamilton. At the opening of trial, the plaintiff moved to strike the defendant's jury notice in order to have the matter tried by a judge alone. This motion was brought on the grounds that the plaintiff, a Muslim- Canadian woman of Afghani descent, would not receive a fair trial because of "...the current political climate, which stems not only from the 9/11 attacks, but subsequent terror (and attempted terror) attacks around the world, a politically controversial war in Afghanistan, and the unfortunate, but very real, existence of racism in Canada".
3In support of the motion, counsel for the plaintiff relied on the affidavit of Renee Vinett dated January 2, 2007. Ms. Vinett is an associate at the law firm representing the plaintiff. A copy of the affidavit was not provided in the material on this appeal. However, the transcript of the proceedings provides considerable detail as to the contents. As described by Mr. Rogers in his submissions that the affidavit ought to be struck, the affidavit contained legal argument, conclusions of law and opinion evidence including the following: the growing controversy over the presence of Canadian troops as peacekeepers in Afghanistan; the high level of animosity between Muslims and the Western world, including Canada; copies of articles purporting to express opinions of people being put forward as experts; [and] conclusions about groups that are most likely to be targets of racism ostensibly drawn from a poll. Mr. Levy resisted the motion to strike the affidavit.
4At p. 19 of the transcript, the trial judge made the following observation:
But the question is this, is it something that's so notorious in the public that the court could take judicial notice of it? I'd have to be a pretty dumb citizen to not think that there is a considerable amount of animosity against Muslims and Arabs that's alive because of the circumstances that are happening in the world. I mean, I hear it and I read it every day. I hear it on the media and I hear statements of our government, et cetera, et cetera . . . It [page142] seems to me the issue is how do I deal with it . . . not whether I strike the jury holus bolus . . . but whether or not in fairness it should be dealt with by doing a challenge for cause.
5At p. 21 of the transcript, the trial judge ruled that the affidavit was not proper and that he would not rely on the material in the affidavit as it related to the issue of racism. There is no appeal from that decision. As a result of that ruling, there was no evidence to support the motion by the plaintiffs to strike the jury notice.
6After hearing the motion, the trial judge struck the jury notice stating:
. . . I am taking judicial notice that there is a strong risk, a reasonable apprehension that there could be bias on the part of the jury based on a system where there are no checks. Prescreening is not an adequate check and there is no -- not like in a criminal case, there is no opportunity to challenge by way of cause in a civil case.
I am of the view that Justices Jennings and Festeryga correctly concluded that there was a strong possibility of bias, given the circumstances, and I am going to strike the jury on this case.
7Leave to appeal in the present case was granted by Harris J. on October 11, 2007. He concluded there was reason to doubt the correctness of the decision and further that the matter involved issues of general importance. Harris J. was of the view that the case had "manifold implications" and required "further conversation". Standard of Review
Standard of Review
8The key issue in this case is whether the trial judge erred in taking "judicial notice that there is a strong risk, a reasonable apprehension that there could be bias on the part of the jury based on a system where there are no checks".
9The Supreme Court of Canada in Housen v. Nikolaisen, 2002 SCC 33, [2002] 2 S.C.R. 235, [2002] S.C.J. No. 31, addressed the standard of review on an appeal from a judge's decision, stating [at paras. 8, 10, 28]:
On a pure question of law, the basic rule with respect to the review of a trial judge's findings is that an appellate court is free to replace the opinion of the trial judge with its own. Thus the standard of review on a question of law is that of correctness. . . . . . . . .
The standard of review for findings of fact is that such findings are not to be reversed unless it can be established that the trial judge made a "palpable and overriding error" (see Stein Estate v. The Kathy K, 1975 146 (SCC), [1976] 2 S.C.R. 802). . . . . . . . .
Where the trier of fact has considered all the evidence that the law requires him or her to consider and still comes to the wrong conclusion, then this [page143] amounts to an error of mixed fact and law and is subject to a more stringent standard of review [than for findings of fact].
10The decision to strike the jury notice was a question of law. We approach this appeal on the basis that the standard of review is correctness. Positions of the Parties
Positions of the Parties
11While the issue of judicial notice is determinative of the appeal, that issue was considered in the context of the jurisdiction of a trial judge to strike a jury notice. On this latter point, the appellant began with the proposition that a party to civil proceedings is prima facie entitled to have issues of fact tried, or damages assessed by a jury relying upon s. 108(1) of the Courts of Justice Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.43. Trial by jury is a substantive right of considerable importance, the appellant argues, which ought not to be taken away except for cogent reasons (see King v. Colonial Homes Ltd., 1956 13 (SCC), [1956] S.C.R. 528, [1956] S.C.J. No. 32, at p. 533 S.C.R.).
12Counsel for the appellant noted that Jennings J. in Abou-Marie v. Baskey (2001), 2001 28013 (ON SC), 56 O.R. (3d) 360, [2001] O.J. No. 4898 (S.C.J.), and Festeryga J. in Amana Imports Canada v. Guardian Insurance Co. of Canada (2002), 2002 49403 (ON SC), 57 O.R. (3d) 587, [2002] O.J. No. 5633 (S.C.J.), struck the civil juries in somewhat similar circumstances. In Abou-Marie, supra, the plaintiffs in a personal injury action were Arab Muslims. The trial began on October 1, 2001, mere weeks after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Jennings J. struck the jury on the basis that s. 108(2)12 of the Courts of Justice Act prohibited a jury in a claim against the municipality. In dealing with the alternative argument that the jury should be struck on the basis of the "climate created by the tragic events" that had occurred three weeks earlier, he observed that challenge for cause is not available for civil actions in Ontario, and he held as follows [at para. 8]:
I am not confident that at the present time in the prevailing climate created by unprecedented coverage in the media of the events to which I referred, a strong caution to the jury would be sufficient to ensure that all prejudices could be set aside. Although there appears to be no cases on the subject, if required to do so, I would have acceded to the plaintiff's request on the second ground.
13In Amana Imports, supra, the plaintiff was a limited company whose principals were Palestinians and devout Muslims. The trial started on January 14, 2002, approximately four months following September 11, 2001. The plaintiff sued on a policy of insurance seeking coverage for a theft. The defendant denied that [page144] there had been a theft and alleged fraud. Credibility was "the central issue". Festeryga J. was asked to strike the jury notice served by the defendant on three grounds. He declined to strike on the grounds of the relief sought and complexity. On the ground that there was a likelihood of prejudice against the plaintiff if the matter were tried by a jury, he held as follows [at para. 8]:
I am satisfied that there has been much confusion by the people in this community as to the difference between Muslims and Hindus. I am taking judicial notice there is a perceived bias on non-Muslims towards Muslims. This probability existed before September 11, 2001, but since then the perception has, in my view, been aggravated and become worse.
14Festeryga J. also observed that there are no provisions in the rules [Rules of Civil Procedure, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194] or in the Courts of Justice Act in a civil matter for challenges for cause, and that the Rules Committee and the legislature ought to address this issue "because of the changing times".
15Counsel for the appellant noted that neither of those two decisions had been appealed. He asserted that they had been wrongly decided and, in any event, were clearly distinguishable from the present case given the passage of time since the events of September 11, 2001.
16For completeness on the issue, the appellant also referred to (but did not rely on) a decision of Browne J. in Al-Haddad v. London & Middlesex County Roman Catholic Separate School Board, [1996] O.J. No. 4675, 1996 CarswellOnt 5047 (Gen. Div.), which involved a motion to strike a jury notice. In that case, the "evidence" consisted of correspondence between counsel in which it was alleged that the defendant had filed a jury notice for reasons related to the nationality of the plaintiff and that it might have been done for tactical purposes. Browne J. addressed the issue on the basis that racial prejudice had been acknowledged to be the true ground for the jury notice. In para. 12 of his reasons, he stated:
In general pre-screening comments to a jury panel, the presiding justice addresses issues of personal hardship, citizenship, understanding of language and ability to hear. In criminal trials there is a statutory right for challenge for cause with certain procedure being specified. That procedure takes the issue of determination of a juror's partiality out of the hands of the trial judge and places the issue of partiality in the hands of the jurors (triers). The trial judge in a criminal case cannot usurp this statutory function of the jurors. There is no such statutory right in civil cases. In my view the trial judge in a civil case may ask prospective jurors pre-screening questions. Such pre- screening questions might well be with the consent of counsel and/or agreement as to the particulars of pre- screening questions. But absent such a consent, in my view the presiding justice at a civil trial can pre-screen upon racial bias and might well consider a question along the following lines: [page145]
Would your ability to judge the evidence in this case without bias, prejudice or partiality be affected by the fact that the plaintiffs are of ------ descent. If so, please signify and your individual comments will be considered.
17The respondents, while agreeing that the right to have an action tried by a jury is a substantive right, say it is not absolute, pointing to s. 108(2) of the Courts of Justice Act, which outlines a number of situations where an action must be tried without a jury, irrespective of the wishes of the parties. It is a matter of judicial discretion, they say, when a trial judge is faced with a motion, pursuant to s. 108(3) of the Courts of Justice Act, to discharge a jury, arguing that the test for discharging a jury confers a broad discretion on the court recognizing that the paramount objective of our civil justice system is to provide the means by which a dispute between parties can be resolved in the most just manner possible.
18On the key issue in this appeal of judicial notice, counsel for the appellant argued that the present decision was reached in an evidentiary vacuum and was based on the race, country of origin and religion of the plaintiffs, not on any individual qualities of the plaintiffs themselves or any other specific factors. He asserted that the decision has significant ramifications which transcend the present dispute, arguing that it stands as a general basis for prohibiting civil trials involving persons of the Arab race, Afghani origin or Muslim faith. Counsel took the position that this would lead to an impossible result, applying equally to situations involving any identifiable minority.
19The appellant further argued that the trial judge improperly relied upon judicial notice of unsubstantiated social "facts". In R. v. Find, 2001 SCC 32, [2001] 1 S.C.R. 863, [2001] S.C.J. No. 34, the Supreme Court of Canada identified the parameters of judicial notice, at para. 48, as follows:
Therefore, the threshold for judicial notice is strict: a court may properly take judicial notice of facts that are either: (1) so notorious or generally accepted as not to be the subject of debate among reasonable persons; or (2) capable of immediate and accurate demonstration by resort to readily accessible sources of indisputable accuracy: R. v. Potts (1982), 1982 1751 (ON CA), 66 C.C.C. (2d) 219 (Ont. C.A.); J. Sopinka, S.N. Lederman and A.W. Bryant, The Law of Evidence in Canada (2nd ed. 1999), at p. 1055.
20The appellant argued that the trial judge implicitly concluded that Hamiltonians harbour negative, racist prejudices against Afghanis, Arabs and/or Muslims, and that a jury selected from the Hamilton community could not be trusted to abide by the oath of impartiality, even after receiving appropriate instructions. Counsel asserted that the trial judge had no [page146] evidence before him to support such a conclusion. Counsel also submitted that it is not possible to recognize such "facts" as being so notorious as to be beyond the scope of reasonable debate, and nor can recourse be had to any authoritative reference source. Canada, it was argued, is an inclusive and tolerant society in which there is a presumption a juror will be able to impartially discharge his or her responsibilities to the administration of justice.
21On the issue of judicial notice, the respondents in their factum referred to Canadian and Ontario courts that have taken judicial notice of the "widespread existence of racism in Canada" and that that is important"given the near impossible task of 'proving racism'". At the time of the motion, counsel for the respondents noted that in Abou-Marie, supra, and in Amana Imports, supra, there had been no evidence such as what had been offered to (and rejected by) the trial judge, and yet both Jennings J. and Festeryga J. had arrived at the conclusions they did. As indicated at p. 29 of the transcript, counsel had argued that "nothing has changed" since September 11, 2001. He insisted that the "debate ha[d] gotten more fierce" and had extended from New York City and Washington to around the globe. He referred to the "war on terror" as the fight in Afghanistan in which Canada has been involved. He suggested to the trial judge that the additional factor was that the plaintiff was from Afghanistan. He had encouraged the trial judge to take judicial notice of the "climate that exists". At p. 30 of the transcript, he took the position that:
. . . the plaintiff's name, the names of her family members, her skin colour, her country of origin, the fact that people will look at her and see a Muslim and perhaps not understand the difference between Muslims, not distinguish between Muslims, Arabs and terrorists. There is a very real apprehension that this plaintiff will not be able to get a fair trial in front of what we expect will be an all white jury.
22In this appeal, counsel for the respondents argued that although there was no evidence before the trial judge, due to the fact that the trial judge had struck the affidavit, this did not mean that the exercise of his discretion was "arbitrary or capricious". Analysis
Analysis
23There is consensus that the trial judge has a broad discretion in determining whether to strike a jury notice. We turn to the issue of judicial notice.
24The case before us involves events which occurred on November 16, 1999, and a trial scheduled to commence January 8, 2007, [page147] five years and four months following the events of September 11, 2001.
25Mr. Levy described the main plaintiff as "a dark skinned Muslim woman from Afghanistan". Before the trial judge, he argued that the question was whether she could receive a fair trial with a jury.
26As indicated, at p. 19 of the transcript, the trial judge properly instructed himself (albeit in the context of whether the affidavit ought to be struck) on the first of the two criteria identified in R. v. Find, supra. He queried whether there was something so notorious in the public that the court could take judicial notice of it.
27However, the trial judge failed to consider the second of the two criteria identified in R. v. Find, supra: whether the facts that are "so notorious or generally accepted" were "capable of immediate and accurate demonstration by resort to readily accessible sources of indisputable accuracy".
28During submissions as to whether the affidavit should be struck, the transcript notes the observation of the trial judge at p. 25:
I believe, although the affidavit, I think, is incorrect, I think that given the circumstances, that I could take judicial notice of the situation, that there is some discrimination against Muslims and Arabs.
29During submissions on the motion to strike the jury notice, the trial judge referred to his reading of the political situation in the United States, that the election in 2004 had been "won largely because of the vote of people who couldn't distinguish between Muslims and terrorists" (p. 32); that the situation (since the decisions of Festeryga J. and Jennings J.) had not gotten worse but had "been compounded" (p. 33); that the issue was, as Mr. Levy had framed it, that the "general population has a great deal of difficulty distinguishing between a Muslim and a terrorist" (p. 33); that the population (of Canada) had been misled about the Arar case (p. 34).
30While he did not return to such observations in rendering the decision referred to in para. 6, above, we infer that such considerations informed his decision.
31We are of the view that the trial judge erred in his reliance on judicial notice to support his decision that "there is a strong risk, a reasonable apprehension that there could be bias on the part of the jury". Assuming for the moment that the first criterion has been met, there is no basis for concluding that the second criterion has been considered or met.
32In her reasons, McLachlin C.J.C., in R. v. Find, supra, identified a two-fold test when juror partiality is at issue. At para. 32, the Supreme Court held as follows: [page148]
As a practical matter, establishing a realistic potential for juror partiality generally requires satisfying the court on two matters: (1) that a widespread bias exists in the community; and (2) that some jurors may be incapable of setting aside this bias, despite trial safeguards, to render an impartial decision . . . These two components of the challenge for cause test reflect, respectively, the attitudinal and behavioural components of partiality. (Citations omitted)
33The Supreme Court also dealt with the concepts of "bias" and "wide-spread" when dealing with the test for partiality. At para. 40, the Chief Justice concluded, given that trial procedures have been in place over centuries to counter biases, the trial process is sufficient to "cleanse" jurors' views and biases.
34As the Chief Justice held, there are two components to bias: the attitudinal component (i.e., the existence of a lack of impartiality), and the behavioural link (i.e., that the juror is not capable of setting aside the bias).
35Even if the trial judge had a basis for doing so, it is not enough to simply take "judicial notice" of inherent prejudices on the part of potential jurors in a case involving certain minorities. Arguably, minorities in Canada have suffered from intolerance and prejudice. Nevertheless, the trial process has prevailed. Needless to say, given the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent terrorist attacks linked to radical Muslims, there may be a level of caution in Canada which may in some people have expanded to outright bias and prejudice. To conclude, however, that potential civil jurors would be impossibly tainted, without any supporting evidence, and that the lack of impartiality would cause them to be unable to set aside their bias, notwithstanding procedural safeguards, would be to improperly exercise judicial discretion.
36We conclude, as the appellant has argued, by taking "judicial notice" as he did, the trial judge made a palpable and overriding error. It is not possible to recognize the "facts" that he did, as being so notorious as to be beyond the scope of reasonable debate. Furthermore, the behavioural link between the existence of a lack of impartiality and the inability to set those biases aside was not established. Accordingly, the appeal must be allowed and the matter remitted to a different trial judge. Challenges for Cause in Civil Jury Cases
Challenges for Cause in Civil Jury Cases
37Having disposed of the appeal, we turn now to the issue of challenges for cause in civil jury cases. While it is not necessary to address this issue, in view of the submissions made on this point before the trial judge and before us, we make these observations. [page149]
38We acknowledge there is no recognized procedure in Ontario for challenges for cause in civil cases. We also acknowledge it is not prohibited. Some might suggest the time has come for the Civil Rules Committee and the legislature to give consideration to this issue given the rapidly changing nature of Canadian society. We do not.
39We recognize that in Abou-Marie, supra, and in Amana Imports, supra, the judges each observed that challenges for cause were not available in civil actions, and in Al-Haddad, supra, there was reference to the prescreening of jurors. In the case before us, the trial judge also held that challenges for cause were not available.
40We recognize as well, that Ontario courts have consistently applied the "reasonable possibility of partiality" test as the appropriate standard in criminal cases in a determination of whether there should be a challenge for cause. The issues as to whether a challenge for cause should be permitted as a result of the nationality of the accused, and or the complainant, or the nature of the offence are far different from whether there should be a jury at all.
41What are the ramifications of a challenge for cause in civil matters? First of all, there is the potential, as the appellant suggests, of never having civil jury cases in Ontario involving members of minority groups who may feel aggrieved. This, in our view, is a wholly untenable result and does not accord with Canada's reputation as an open and tolerant multicultural society.
42The other ramification is that there would be considerable delay and expense involved in many civil cases in large urban centres. Evidence would need to be brought to the attention of the trial judge on the issue of potential prejudice. We already have a civil system that is seriously overloaded, and to this extent, challenges for cause in civil cases would not do anything but to increase the current backlog. Conclusion
Conclusion
43As indicated above, the appeal is allowed, and the matter is remitted to a different trial judge.
44In the factum of the respondents, counsel asked that the appeal be dismissed "on terms that will prevent the appellant from benefiting from the delay caused by this appeal". Having allowed the appeal, we assume that the matter will proceed as expeditiously as possible and that any issues arising from delay will be addressed by the trial judge. [page150]
45Unless counsel are able to agree as to costs of this appeal, submissions in writing will be provided within 15 days of the release of these reasons.
Concurring Reasons
46KITELEY J. (concurring): -- I agree with the majority as to the disposition of the appeal for the reasons given. However, I depart from my colleagues only on their remarks in obiter on the subject of challenges for cause in civil actions.
47The Ontario Juries Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. J.3 enables peremptory challenges. It is silent on challenges for cause. Eight other provinces or territories permit challenges for cause by statute: in s. 12(2) of Alberta's Jury Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. J-3, s. 20 of Prince Edward Island's Jury Act, R.S.P.E.I. 1988, c. J-5.1, and s. 28 of Saskatchewan's The Jury Act, 1998, S.S. 1998, c. J-4.2, challenges for cause are permitted for a number of specified grounds; in s. 20 of British Columbia's Jury Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 242, and s. 33 of Manitoba's The Jury Act, C.C.S.M. c. J30, such challenges are authorized without identifying any limits on the challenge; s. 31 of Newfoundland and Labrador's Jury Act, 1991, S.N.L. 1991, c. 16, provides that the presiding judge may try and determine the sufficiency of a challenge for cause; s. 20 of the Northwest Territories' Jury Act, R.S.N.W.T. 1988, c. J-2, and s. 16(3) of Nova Scotia's Juries Act, S.N.S. 1998, c. 16, both provide that any party may challenge for cause.
48The criminal cases, on this topic, are in the context of whether there will be a challenge for cause, not whether there will be a jury. In civil cases in Ontario, it is an all or nothing proposition. If the legislature saw fit to facilitate challenge for cause in civil matters in Ontario, the right to a trial by jury that now exists would not be undermined by the inability to challenge a potential juror on the grounds that the juror would be unable to set those biases aside and judge the matter fairly. As is evident from comments on pre-screening by Browne J. in Al-Haddad, supra, by Jennings J. in Abou-Marie, supra, by Festeryga J. in Amana Imports, supra, and by Borkovich J. in the case before us, where the trial judge was struggling with this issue, it is clear that this is a matter which needs a legislative response.
Appeal allowed.
