Article content continued

The judge found evidence that the federal government went ahead with bill despite concern from its own advisors over the law’s validity, Ms. Desjardins said.

In a government memo related to the proposed budget cuts, it was noted that collective bargaining would have to be suspended to freeze the wages.

The case was between the union and the Attorney General. According to the judgment, CBC reserves the right to request money from the federal government to cover the costs.

The broadcaster has not yet decided if it will proceed.

“We need to study the ruling in detail before we can comment on its implications and the impact that it may have on the Corporation and its employees,” said CBC spokesperson Angus McKinnon in an email.

The Office of the President of the Treasury Board Secretariat said Friday the government has 30 days to review the decision and consider an appeal.

In a statement following the ruling, the Treasury Board said the government is “committed to responsible and sustainable finances.”

“The Expenditure Restraint Act was introduced in 2009 to provide a balanced approach to public sector compensation. It provides for responsible spending and fair compensation,”Andrea Mandel-Campbell, a spokesperson for the Office of the President of the Treasury Board, said in an email.