CALGARY - The Supreme Court of Canada's chief justice says judges should not be considered unaccountable because they are appointed by the government.
Beverley McLachlin told a meeting of the Canadian Bar Association in Calgary that such an accusation is misplaced.
She said judges are accountable to the public every day through open courts, reasoned decision-making and appeals.
McLachlin also said judges must be seen to be impartial, but that doesn't mean they need to discount or disregard their personal experiences.
The chief justice shied away from any questions related to the federal election campaign.
But she did tell reporters more should be done to reduce costs and delays in Canada's courts.
