Liberals, NDP confident in Justice Robert Stack

The provincial Liberal and New Democrats have no problem with Justice Robert Stack shepherding a committee that will oversee the rewriting of electoral boundaries in Newfoundland and Labrador, despite his past financial contributions to the Progressive Conservative party.

Liberal justice critic Andrew Parsons said he has faith in Stack, a St. John's Supreme Court justice.

Stack, who was chosen by Chief Justice Derek Greene as chairperson of the Newfoundland and Labrador Electoral Districts Boundaries Commission, gave regular donations to the PC party.

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However, Stack said the donations were given by his law firm on his behalf. 

Parsons said he believes Stack will be independent.

"Justice Stack was an appointment of the Chief Justice, who I'm sure takes a number of factors into mind when he makes this, and we're satisfied with that," Parsons said.

NDP leader Lorraine Michael echoed Parsons' sentiments.

Although Michael was critical of the process the government went through to cut the number of MHAs, she said she trusts Stack to do a good job.

"Judges — the very nature of who they are demands impartiality, that's who they are, and it's something that they're used to doing," Michael said.

"So I trust the chief justice and the person that he has put in this position."

The other commissioners — one Liberal, one NDP and two PCs nominated by each party — are expected to be appointed this week by the Speaker of the House of Assembly.