Lawyer calls for halt to inquiry into Manitoba judge nude photo scandal

WINNIPEG – The lawyer for a Manitoba judge says the inquiry into the judge’s conduct is unfair and must be terminated.

Sheila Block says there is an apprehension of bias among the committee hearing the inquiry, which includes the chief justices of three provinces.

Block is protesting questioning this week by George Macintosh, the lawyer who cross-examines witnesses on behalf of the inquiry committee.

Block says the questioning has been aggressive and has revealed an apparent bias against her client, Lori Douglas.

The inquiry is looking into allegations Douglas sexually harassed a man in 2003 and failed to disclose the matter when she was appointed a judge two years later.

Arguments are now being made from other lawyers about whether the inquiry should be halted.