Ontario’s Attorney General Doug Downey is clarifying Premier Doug Ford’s recent remarks suggesting that judges should be elected, saying the provincial government has no plans to pursue such a move despite the Premier’s public frustration with the judiciary.
Ford sparked controversy this week when he criticized “bleeding heart” judges for, in his view, blocking his government’s agenda and being too lenient on repeat offenders. His comments came in response to a court ruling that temporarily halted the government’s plan to remove bike lanes in Toronto.
Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Downey said Ford’s outburst stemmed from “real frustration” shared by many Ontarians, but emphasized that there is no intention to overhaul the judicial appointment system. “It’s not something we are pursuing,” Downey said. “But it is important that we go after violent and repeat offenders.”
Ford had mused openly about the idea of electing judges, suggesting the current appointment process may be flawed. “Maybe that’s the problem,” he said. “Maybe we should start electing our judges, holding them accountable.”
The backlash was swift. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association called Ford’s comments “deeply alarming,” while Ontario’s three Chief Justices — Michael Tulloch, Geoffrey Morawetz, and Sharon Nicklas — issued a rare joint statement defending the independence of the judiciary. “Judicial independence is a cornerstone of our constitutional democracy,” they wrote. “The public must have confidence that decisions are made without bias.”
When asked directly if Ford’s comments were dangerous, Downey replied, “Everybody knows that judicial independence is a bedrock in a democracy.” Still, he acknowledged that public frustration around crime and safety is real and must be addressed. “When people don’t feel safe in their own homes, that’s dangerous for society,” he said. “That’s why we are investing resources, changing structures, and pushing for justice that is fair but also faster.”
Opposition leaders at Queen’s Park didn’t hold back. NDP Leader Marit Stiles called the Premier’s remarks “un-Canadian” and “outrageous and dangerous,” while Liberal MPP John Fraser accused Ford of trying to “undermine confidence in our judges.” Speaking in Question Period, Fraser said, “We didn’t send the premier to Washington so he could import the U.S. justice system. Is he trying to discredit the courts the way Donald Trump does?”
Last week, the Ford government announced upcoming changes to the judge selection process, though electing judges was not among them. Downey said the government is instead focused on choosing candidates who reflect community values and are committed to public safety. “I’m looking for somebody who understands community and will help protect it,” he added.