Calls for Reform to Ontario Courts and Justice System Raised by Victims and Advocates

Cait Alexander has come forward to share her story of gender-based violence, revealing that the Canadian justice system failed to adequately address her attempted murder by her ex-boyfriend. She stated that a restraining order was the only resolution offered to her, highlighting the need for reforms within the justice system. Alexander’s case is not unique, as many women are reporting similar experiences of cases being thrown out or resolved with peace bonds, rather than receiving the justice they deserve. Critics point to the understaffing and lack of resources within Ontario’s courts as a major issue that needs to be urgently addressed.

NDP MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam joined Alexander in calling for reforms to the justice system, emphasizing that tough-on-crime rhetoric is ineffective without adequately staffed and resourced courts. She highlighted the staggering backlog of cases in Ontario’s courts, with 53,000 cases sitting unresolved at the Landlord Tenant Board. Civil cases are now taking up to five years to get to trial, and Ontario courts rank last in terms of wait times nationwide. The Supreme Court of Canada’s Jordan Decision in July 2016 aimed to establish timelines for trial hearings, but it has added to the frustrations of those seeking justice in the current court system.

The impact of the Jordan Decision was illustrated by Emily Agar, who shared her experience of waiting 789 days for her rape case to be heard, only to have the charges stayed after 147 days due to the right to a speedy trial. Lawyer Lorne Honickman highlighted that the situation in the courts was already challenging before the pandemic, but it has worsened significantly since then. He described the current state of the courts as a crisis, noting the need for more superior court judges, staff, and administration to address the systemic issues. The Province of Ontario recently introduced a criminal case backlog reduction strategy, including a $72 million investment in hiring more prosecutors and bail vettors, as well as increasing compensation for court staff.

The call for reforms in the justice system is gaining momentum as more individuals come forward to share their stories of delays, dismissals, and unresolved cases. The Ministry of the Attorney General in Ontario has acknowledged the need for progress in reducing and resolving cases before the courts while ensuring the safety of Ontarians. However, many believe that a multi-pronged approach is necessary to address the underlying issues in the court system effectively. The federal government’s involvement in appointing more superior court judges, along with increased staffing and resources, is seen as crucial to improving access to justice and ensuring that cases are resolved in a timely manner.

Overall, the current state of Ontario’s court system is facing significant challenges, with delays, backlogs, and dismissals impacting individuals seeking justice. The stories shared by Cait Alexander, Emily Agar, and others highlight the urgent need for reforms to address the systemic issues within the justice system. The calls for more judges, staff, and resources are gaining traction as individuals, advocates, and lawmakers demand change to ensure that cases are heard and resolved in a timely and fair manner while prioritizing the safety and well-being of all Ontarians.