The respondent, a Provincial Court judge, made derogatory comments about the residents of the Acadian Peninsula during a sentencing hearing.
A Judicial Council inquiry panel found her comments constituted misconduct but recommended a reprimand, concluding she was still able to perform her duties.
The Judicial Council, however, concluded her remarks created a reasonable apprehension of bias and recommended her removal from office.
The reviewing judge and the Court of Appeal quashed the Council's decision, finding breaches of natural justice and jurisdictional error.
The Supreme Court of Canada allowed the appeal, holding that the Council's decision was entitled to a high degree of deference, it did not exceed its jurisdiction, and there was no breach of procedural fairness.
