Tory introduces bill to open up justice system

Progressive Conservative Party Leader and Caledon MPP John Tory introduced a new private member’s bill that would for the first time truly open up Ontario’s justice system to see if it is working to keep families safe.

“We have to do everything possible to make our streets safer for Ontario families,” said Tory. “We hear disconcerting stories every day about our justice system but right now the government refuses to keep track of the overall picture. Right now we keep track of how many eggs are laid each year in Ontario but not important bail and sentencing information.”

Tory introduced the Truth and Transparency in the Justice System Act in the Legislature. The act would change the Courts of Justice Act so the Attorney General would annually report to Ontarians on the justice system, detailing the number of people charged with violent offences, bail violations, sureties collected, plea bargaining details, and several other types of statistics about the functioning of the justice system.

“We all want to make sure our justice system works properly to protect Ontarians as much as possible,” said Tory. “How can we know if that is the case if no one is keeping track of these things? I want to know the true story of our justice system so we can see where it needs to be fixed.”

The bill was debated and voted on Dec. 21. It has already been endorsed by several victims’ rights advocates. “This Bill will give Ontarians the truth about how their justice system is working – and how it’s not – which is the blueprint for making real improvements that protect people who don’t break the law,” said Scott Newark, former vice-chair and special counsel to the Ontario Office for Victims of Crime.

Sharon Rosenfeldt, co-founder of Victims of Violence, said: “Victims of Violence supports this bill since it would help measure whether victims of crime are truly having justice served. With the bill we would be able to truly gauge the administration of justice and work toward eliminating unnecessary expenses and delay.”

John Muise, director of public safety for the Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness said: “Tracking what happens in Ontario courtrooms will help identify the shortcomings that exist in the administration of justice. If this Bill is passed the end result will be enhanced public safety for all Ontarians.”