NDP issues statement about First Nations and Ontario juries

NEWS RELEASE

ONTARIO NDP COMMUNICATIONS

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QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario NDP First Nations Critic Sarah Campbell released the following statement on the release of the Independent Review on First Nation Representation on Ontario Juries.
 
“The Honourable Frank Iacobucci’s report confirmed what First Nations have been saying for years: the justice system and juries in Northern Ontario and where First Nations are involved is in severe crisis.
 
“Victim’s families should not have to deal with unnecessary court delays when waiting for justice for their loved ones. Most recently we saw this in Thunder Bay where many First Nation youth have lost their lives while attending school away from their communities. In too many instances inquests were delayed because of lack of First Nations jurors. First Nation families deserve much better. And at least they deserve the same opportunities that any other family in Ontario is entitled to. The right to justice is fundamental.
 
“Problems of First Nation jury representation have been persistent for far too long and have added to the general feeling of mistrust against the government and the justice system. This government cannot afford to take its time in implementing the recommendations. If the justice system continues to fail us, First Nations will never be willing participants in it and the problem will move beyond the realm of jury representation.”

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