QUEBEC - Former Supreme Court justice Michel Bastarache opened hearings in Quebec City Monday that will look into how judges are appointed in Quebec.
Premier Jean Charest called the inquiry after headline-grabbing allegations were made by his former justice minister Marc Bellemare.
The ex-minister claims he was pressured to appoint judges approved by Liberal party fundraisers in 2003 and 2004.
He says he complained about the practice to Charest and was ignored; the premier sharply denied the claims and has sued his old minister for defamation.
In his opening statement, Bastarache said his commission is totally independent and will take on its task with an open mind.
He also said he would not be limited to allegations made by Bellemare.
Lawyers for Charest, the Liberal party, the Bar Association and the Conference of Judges came forward Monday to volunteer their participation into the inquiry.
The Bellemare allegations will be investigated in the fall.
