Canada scores high in 2012 World Justice Project
TORONTO - Canada scored well above average in 2012 when it came to the rule of law, according to an annual survey of 97 countries conducted by the World Justice Project.
Canada‘s highest score was sixth out of 97 in the category of open government and was 10th when it came to order and security.
The index placed Canada 12th in two categories _ absence of corruption and regulatory enforcement _ and 13th in both criminal and civil justice.
Canada also ranked 15th overall in the area of government accountability and was 18th in the realm of fundamental rights.
The index says, however, that ‘‘discrimination against immigrants and the poor is a source of concern‘‘ in Canada and delays in court processes are ‘‘perceived to be a problem.‘‘
It also notes Canada is ‘‘relatively safe from crime, civil courts are accessible and independent, and the criminal justice system is effective in bringing offenders to justice.‘‘
Scandinavian countries tend to dominate the index while Canada ranked higher that the United States in all eight categories.
More than 97,000 people and 2,500 experts from around the world took part in the project. In Canada, opinions were drawn from 1,000 people in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
