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A PowerPoint presentation prepared for one of these meetings described systemic issues facing black Canadians related to mental health, corrections and education and prescribed steps the government could take to address them.

Questions began to be raised about whether it was appropriate for a sitting judge to be taking part in an advocacy organization and a complaint was filed with the judicial council by Faith Finnestad, an associate chief justice.

In a decision released Thursday, the panel wrote that while it was satisfied McLeod, who is black, was “at all times motivated by a highly laudable goal” to help the black community overcome racism and poverty and should be commended for being a positive role model, he had crossed a line between education and advocacy.

His work and community efforts increase public confidence by demonstrating that judges are committed to recognizing and taking seriously the experiences of the black community

It noted that the PowerPoint presentation had included specific “asks” for various funding and legislative measures. The panel cited McLeod’s own words in a video presentation in which he said: “(W)e’re not just expecting to talk. We have to take action.”

“It is incompatible with the separation of powers for a judge to enter the fray and ask political actors for policy changes and the allocation of resources, however worthwhile the judge’s motivating cause,” the panel wrote.

The panel concluded, however, that McLeod’s actions had not met the threshold for judicial misconduct. It said there was “no evidence” he had engaged in partisan political activity or fundraising, and McLeod, in his meetings with politicians, took care not to express opinions on issues that were likely to come before the court.