Retired Superior Court Justice John Gomery has been named president of the Quebec Press Council, The Gazette reports.

Gomery is best known for leading the inquiry into the federal sponsorship scandal, which began in 2004.

Gomery, 77, replaces interim president Guy Amyot in the role.

At a press conference announcing the appointment, Gomery said:

“I really believe that the media play an essential role in democratic life. The quality of our democracy depends in large part on the quality of our information media.”