A Canadian lawyer and jurist who led a high-profile inquiry into a sponsorship scandal, exposing government corruption and recommending reforms. Known for his integrity and fairness in the pursuit of truth.
John Gomery is best known for his role as the Commissioner of the Royal Commission investigating the Sponsorship scandal in 2004, which led to a major overhaul of the Canadian government's advertising policies. Throughout his illustrious career, Gomery has made significant contributions to the Canadian legal system, leaving a lasting impact on the country's justice system.
Born on August 9, 1932, in Montreal, Quebec, Gomery was the third of four children to Jean Brook and Walter Bertram Gomery. His father, a stockbroker, had lost his savings during the Great Depression. Growing up in the anglophone community of Montreal West, Gomery didn't encounter francophone culture until he attended McGill University at 18. He completed his education at McGill, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1953 and his Bachelor of Civil Law in 1956.
In 1957, Gomery was called to the Quebec Bar and worked at the law firm Fasken, Martineau and Dumoulin, specializing in family law, commercial litigation, and bankruptcy. He focused primarily on divorce law, which required a decree from the Senate of Canada at the time. Gomery became a partner in 1966 and was appointed Queens Counsel (QC) in 1972.
In 1982, he was appointed to Quebec Superior Court, Montreal district, by Minister of Justice Mark MacGuigan. During his time on the bench, Gomery served as President of the Copyright Board of Canada from 1999 to 2005 and was involved in the Canadian Bar Association and Chambre des notaires du Québec. He also held various other leadership positions, including President of the Comité Général des Juges de la Cour supérieure du Québec and President of the Family Law Committee.
In 2004, Gomery was appointed Commissioner of the Royal Commission investigating the Sponsorship scandal, which involved allegations of misuse of government funds by the Liberal Party. The commission's findings led to a major overhaul of the Canadian government's advertising policies and had significant implications for the country's political landscape.
Gomery retired from the court bench on August 9, 2007, after turning 75, the age of mandatory retirement. Throughout his career, he received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to the legal profession. His dedication to upholding justice and promoting transparency in government has left a lasting impact on Canadian society.
Gomery's legacy serves as a testament to his dedication to the Canadian legal system and his commitment to upholding justice and transparency in government. His contributions will continue to have a lasting impact on Canadian society for generations to come.
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