A Word from the Chief Justice of Canada
The advancement of knowledge about legal aspects of Canadian parliamentary and political life is not only commendable but also necessary. The rule of law is, indisputably, at the core of democratic governing. Several professional bodies, notably the Canadian Bar Association, already undertake invaluable work in educating their own members on this topic and on informing the citizenry about the impact of legality in government.
Other bodies examine the country's public life from various other, related, perspectives of political science and public administration.
It is worthwhile to look not only at the rule of law, but also on the role of law in public institutions and legislative and governmental processes. Such a comprehensive, interdisciplinary and comparative perspective can be beneficial in broadening and deepening Canadians' knowledge of their own civil society and thus in reinforcing their practice of democracy.
It is with interest that I take note of the establishment of the Institute of Parliamentary and Political Law. I wish the Institute success in its endeavours, be they academic, professional or civic.
I am also pleased at the founding of the Journal of Parliamentary and Political Law. Those writing for this new publication should venture into new ways of analyzing law in its parliamentary and governmental context.
They will be serving their colleagues as well as other citizens in gaining a better understanding of Canada as a country founded on the rule of law and subject only to such reasonable limits to rights and freedoms as are prescribed by law and can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.
The Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, P.C.
Chief Justice of Canada
Ottawa, May 1, 2008