ATTORNEY GENERAL IGNORES J.P. CRISIS - RUNCIMAN
Ontario’s Attorney General is ignoring a growing crisis in provincial courts caused by a severe shortage of Justices of the Peace according to P.C. House Leader Bob Runciman (MPP Leeds-Grenville).
“Part of the concern is that municipalities are losing fine revenues estimated up to $500 million but the bigger issue is that 1000’s of people charged with serious offences are escaping trial” charged Runciman.
“There’s 18 fewer J.P.’s now than 3 years ago and the number of POA matters going to trial has exploded” Runciman pointed out. “There’s 13,000 outstanding PAO trial requests in Mississauga and 10,000 in Brampton”.
Attorney General Michael Bryant argued that he was waiting for passage of legislation changing the appointment process for J.P.’s but Runciman described that as “hogwash” and an excuse for inaction.
“The truth is, the Ministry has been using the new standard for the last 2½ years for the 34 appointments they’ve made” explained Runciman. “They have the tools to eliminate the shortage now.”
“Minister Bryant was fast off the mark when he was chasing pitbulls but with an issue that allows people to walk away from serious charges and where there’s little TV face time to be gained, he’s missing in action” concluded Runciman.
