Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls for U.S.-style elected judges

Ontario Premier Doug Ford – calling judicial independence “a joke” – says he supports U.S.-style elected judges and that many on the bench are “bleeding hearts” afflicted by “ideology,” who allow too many accused criminals out on bail and overrule his government on bike lanes or other issues.On Wednesday, the Premier launched into what he himself described as a “rant” while speaking to reporters at an announcement at Peel Police headquarters in Mississauga. His comments raised questions about his government’s commitment to an independent judiciary and the ability of courts to review whether legislation violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.