Judge’s wrist slapped over language law
Last year, judge Dennis Galiatsatos made the startling ruling that a part of the new language law stating that a French translation of court decisions be made available “immediately and without delay” was unconstitutional because it would delay court decisions in English. The Court of Appeal has now ruled that Galiatsatos overstepped his authority.
French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge hailed the new ruling saying that the French‑language charter must be defended because “the future of the French language and our nation depend on it.”
Kevin 10:12 on 2025-08-16 Permalink
This ruling isn’t proof that the language legislation is valid, this ruling is showing the limitations of judges taking action without any complainant
H. John 11:20 on 2025-08-16 Permalink
Impressive group of judges – two McGill law profs (one was Dean), and a former prosecutor (a graduate of McGill law).
The main part of the decision touches on the fact that provincial courts in criminal matters have a more restrained jurisdiction than the superior courts. If a superior court judge had made the same decision it would have been OK.
The decision explains the limits starting at para 76:
https://citoyens.soquij.qc.ca/php/decision.php?ID=2582DE9797A2A2F51E1B6E9DD7D0B918
H. John 11:41 on 2025-08-16 Permalink
For those who prefer, here’s the decision in English:
https://www.canlii.org/en/qc/qcca/doc/2025/2025qcca736/2025qcca736.html
Kate 11:51 on 2025-08-16 Permalink
Thank you, H. John.