We have begun a second week of hiatus from court. We are still in recess. Further dates must be scheduled. Further, Judge Thomas James Crabtree who is presiding over this case and has heard all of the testimony to date, has received notification of his appointment as chief judge of the British Columbia Provincial Court, the announcement being made by Attorney General Michael de Jong on March 4th. Judge Crabtree will assume his new duties effective April 8. We do not know as yet if or how this appointment may affect this case. Congratulations to Judge Crabtree. The delays nonetheless, affect three children and certainly their parents.
Read more in the Times Colonist:
and the Vancouver Sun
This is indeed remarkable news.
ReplyDeleteI would imagine judge Crabtree would be seized with the Baynes case. Lets hope the appointment actually results in freeing up his time sitting in court.
In light of the Honourable Judge Crabtree's forward thinking decisions in the Baynes case allowing publicity and agreeing to reveal the identity of anonymous reporters that were providing malicious information unrelated to child protection, his appointment may well be a precursor to judicial reform associated with parents dealing with the Ministry of Children and Family.
Imagine such changes as ensuring parents receive report to court and disclosure documents in time to actually read and properly respond.