MES: Good morning, Chief Justice.
RW: Good morning, Dean Sylvestre.
MES: It’s a pleasure to welcome you, always a pleasure to see you here at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law.
RW: It’s always a pleasure when I come back here.
MES: This is a bit like home.
RW: Absolutely, absolutely.
MES: What do you enjoy most about being a judge? What do you like most about it?
RW: I will tell you that I come back to the same starting point: curiosity. There is no case that is ordinary. I’m interested in every case. You discover things every day and that feeds me a lot. It feeds me, it makes me happy. The feeling, also, that we can make a contribution. A contribution not necessarily for just the current year. You know, I am a grandfather and very often, when I have to speak out on important issues that affect the life, health and safety of citizens, not only in the short term but also in the long term, I often think of my grandchildren. I feel like I am making a small special contribution to my fellow citizens because it is a privileged position. I feel privileged and we should never forget that.
MES: Now, beyond your work, beyond your very important duties as a judge, what do you feel passionate about?
RW: I have several passions, I’ll tell you, several passions. In sports, obviously – I may not have as much time as I’d like to play my favorite sports, unfortunately. But what people may not know is that I’m a foodie. Again, I may not have enough time to practice my passion, but my wife and I like to cook when we have the time. Because of my time here in Ottawa as a student, often alone in my apartment, I’m a dishwasher as well.
MES: And what are your favorite sports?
RW: Tennis and golf. Those are really passions.
MES: Well, thank you very much! That was really generous; you were very transparent as well, and I really appreciate it. Thank you, on behalf of the Faculty and on behalf of Jurivision, for doing this today.
RW: It was my pleasure. Thank you very much!
