In his own words: Read Justice Bernd Zabel’s courtroom statement //

... This is the first time I’ve presided since The Globe and Mail article of Friday November 11 reporting that on Wednesday November 9 I opened court wearing Mr. Trump’s signature campaign hat. The article was factually correct except that I did not come back with the hat after the morning break. What I did was wrong. I wish to apologize for a misguided attempt to mark a moment in history by humour in the courtroom following the surprising result in the United States election. This gesture was not intended in any way as a political statement or endorsement of any political views, and in particular the views and comments of Donald Trump. I very much regret that it has been taken as such. I apologize by any offence or hurt caused by my thoughtlessness. I acknowledge that wearing the hat is a breach of the principles of judicial office and was a lapse in judgment that I sincerely regret. I apologize for my actions to the public I serve, the institution I represent, my judicial colleagues, members of the bar and all persons serving the administration of justice. I will humbly continue to treat all persons that come before me fairly and impartially as I have done since my appointment to this honourable bench in 1990. Thank you.