QUEEN’S PARK –MPP Catherine Fife (Waterloo) released the following statement to call out Ford’s inaction on Lydia’s Law, Fife’s legislation that would take important steps to help the survivors of sexual assault seek justice.
“A few weeks ago, this government chose to silence the voices of survivors by sending Lydia’s Law straight to committee without debate, claiming it would expedite the process”, said Fife. “Yesterday I asked the committee if they had received instruction to review Lydia’s Law. It turns out they have received no instruction and there is no timeline for when the bill will be called. 1326 cases were thrown out or stayed in 2022. These survivors deserve justice – and we don’t have a single moment to waste.
“This government is sending a message to survivors and families across Ontario that they do not care about their lived injustices. I am determined to change the system and ensure all survivors feel safe and supported – and see their day in court.
“I call on this government to immediately call Lydia’s Law to committee and let’s get to work.”
The Ford government controls the legislative schedule and could call this bill forward immediately - something they had promised to do when they dispensed the bill, without debate.
MPP Fife calls for urgent action on sexual assault justice legislation
Published on May 30, 2024