MPP Runciman Meets With Top Regional Government Officials at
OMBUDSMAN’S INVESTIGATION GOOD NEWS - RUNCIMAN
(Toronto) _ Ontario Progressive Conservative critic for the Attorney General, Bob Runciman, MPP, today applauded the decision of Ombudsman André Marin to conduct a systemic investigation into the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.
“This is most welcome news”, said Runciman. “We’ve heard there is a 10,000 case backlog and that many victims simply drop out of the queue, frustrated by delays and red tape.”
Runciman raised the issue earlier this year in the wake of a plea bargain deal that saw a victim, paralyzed in a botched organized crime hit, forced to seek compensation from the criminal perpetrators in return for lesser sentences, because of the shortcomings of the provincial system.
“I applaud the Ombudsman for taking this on”, said Runciman. “The McGuinty government wouldn’t do it and we’ve seen by their attempt to cut justice budgets and their gutting of Victims Services that they are essentially offender focused.”
Runciman said he will table a Private Member’s bill next month that will address many of the problems facing the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.
