CALL FOR JUDGE'S HEAD AFTER HEROIN REMARK

OTTAWA -- A judge who told an aboriginal mother if she wanted her kids to
be happy she could give them heroin should have been removed from the bench
months ago, aboriginal leaders insisted yesterday.

The Assembly of First Nations complained the Canadian Judicial Council has
been dragging its feet for 14 months in dealing with a complaint against
Justice Frank Barakett, of the Quebec Superior Court.

"We seriously question whether the Canadian Judicial Council has adequate
powers to promptly discipline its judges," national Chief Matthew Coon Come
told a news conference.

In October 2000, the assembly filed 10 complaints against Barakett and a
further 12 complaints against three appeal court judges in June 2001.

According to court transcripts, Barakett asked if the woman wanted her
daughters, now 13, to be happy. She said yes.

"Just put them on heroin. They'll be happy all the time," he said.