Judge worries amendment to Quebec language law will cause 'undue delays' for English trials
CTV
A Quebec judge overseeing the trial of a person accused of killing a cyclist with their car has raised concerns that an amendment to the province's language charter could cause 'undue delays' for trials held in English.
A Quebec judge overseeing the trial of a person accused of killing a cyclist with their car has raised concerns that an amendment to the province's language charter could cause "undue delays" for trials held in English.
Court of Quebec Justice David Galiatsatos wrote in a 17-page ruling that he is worried about an amendment coming into force next month that requires a French translation of any written judgment in English "immediately and without delay."
He has asked the attorneys general of Quebec and Canada to formally weigh in on the matter ahead of the start of the trial of Christine Pryde, who is charged with dangerous driving, impaired driving and criminal negligence, causing the death of cyclist Irene Dehem.
Pryde was charged after a May 18, 2021, collision on L'Anse-a-l'Orme Road on Montreal's West Island and elected to have her trial in English, which is a right under the Criminal Code.
Justice Galiatsatos wrote that the significant trial would certainly end with a written judgment.
At issue is the translation requirement under a provision of the French-language charter, which was amended on June 1, 2022.
The amendment will take effect on June 1, 2024, two days after the trial is scheduled to begin.
