In some countries, judges are elected and affiliated with political parties. Here, they are appointed by the government of the day. Traditionally, the idea has been that they should be non-partisan, independent, and make decisions based on the law and the merits of the case. So, when Premier Doug Ford recently indicated that he wanted to appoint ,like-minded, judges to sit in Ontario courtrooms, the hackles went up in the legal community and beyond. For insight, we welcome: Michael Spratt, partner at the Ottawa criminal law firm Abergel Goldstein & Partners. He's served as a director of the Criminal Lawyers' Association; Mitch Heimpel, director of policy at the public affairs firm, Enterprise Canada;and Joanna Baron, executive director of the Canadian Constitution Foundation.

<p>In some countries, judges are elected and affiliated with political parties. Here, they are appointed by the government of the day. Traditionally, the idea has been that they should be non-partisan, independent, and make decisions based on the law and the merits of the case. So, when Premier Doug Ford recently indicated that he wanted to appoint ,like-minded, judges to sit in Ontario courtrooms, the hackles went up in the legal community and beyond. For insight, we welcome: Michael Spratt, partner at the Ottawa criminal law firm Abergel Goldstein &amp; Partners. He's served as a director of the Criminal Lawyers' Association; Mitch Heimpel, director of policy at the public affairs firm, Enterprise Canada;and Joanna Baron, executive director of the Canadian Constitution Foundation.</p>

The Agenda with Steve Paikin is TVO's flagship current affairs program - devoted to exploring the social, political, cultural and economic issues that are changing our world, at home and abroad. The Agenda airs weeknights at 8:00 PM EST on TVO - Canada's largest educational broadcaster.

The Agenda with Steve Paikin is TVO's flagship current affairs program - devoted to exploring the social, political, cultural and economic issues that are changing our world, at home and abroad. The Agenda airs weeknights at 8:00 PM EST on TVO - Canada's

The Agenda with Steve Paikin (Audio)

The Agenda is TVO's flagship current affairs program, devoted to exploring the social, political, cultural, and economic issues that are changing our world. We consistently offer a diversity of viewpoints and in-depth analysis of what lies behind the headlines. Hosted by Steve Paikin and Nam Kiwanuka.

<p>The Agenda is TVO's flagship current affairs program, devoted to exploring the social, political, cultural, and economic issues that are changing our world. We consistently offer a diversity of viewpoints and in-depth analysis of what lies behind the headlines. Hosted by Steve Paikin and Nam Kiwanuka.</p>

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