Alberta Lawyers Face Disciplinary Action for Surveillance of Manitoba Judge
In a significant development within the Canadian legal community, Alberta lawyers John Carpay and Randal Jay Cameron have lost their bid to prevent the Law Society of Alberta from pursuing disciplinary measures against them. This follows their involvement in hiring a private investigator to surveil Manitoba Chief Justice Glenn Joyal during a 2021 court case challenging COVID-19 public health orders.
Background of the Incident
In June 2021, Carpay, president of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF), unilaterally decided to employ a private investigator to monitor Chief Justice Joyal. The objective was to determine whether the judge was adhering to the same COVID-19 restrictions that were being legally contested. Cameron, associated with the JCCF, was aware of this surveillance plan.
Upon discovering the surveillance, the Law Society of Manitoba conducted an investigation, resulting in both lawyers being permanently prohibited from practicing law in Manitoba and each fined $5,000.
Alberta Law Society’s Disciplinary Proceedings
Despite the sanctions imposed in Manitoba, the Law Society of Alberta initiated its own disciplinary proceedings against Carpay and Cameron. The lawyers contended that Alberta’s law society had exhausted its jurisdiction by allowing Manitoba’s regulator to handle the initial investigation. However, this argument was rejected, permitting Alberta’s law society to proceed with its disciplinary actions.
Implications for Legal Ethics and Professional Conduct
This case underscores the critical importance of ethical conduct and respect for judicial independence within the legal profession. The actions of Carpay and Cameron have prompted widespread concern regarding the lengths to which legal practitioners may go in challenging public health measures and the potential erosion of public trust in the legal system.
As the Law Society of Alberta moves forward with its disciplinary process, the legal community will be closely monitoring the outcomes and their ramifications for professional standards and accountability.
Source : Swifteradio.com
