Sign the Lydia's Law petition
What is Lydia's Law?
Lydia is a sexual assault survivor who endured a traumatic two-year wait for justice due to court backlogs in Ontario. She shared her experience with Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife.
On April 18, 2024, MPP Fife introduced a private member's bill, called Lydia's Law, which aims to increase transparency and accountability in the handling of sexual assault cases, protect survivors, track and report on sexual assault case delays, and improve access to legal supports. The bill addresses the retraumatizing and cruel treatment of survivors in the justice system.
In May 2024, the government dispensed the bill without debate, and silenced survivors.
The bill died when a provincial election was called in February 2025.
Following the verdict in the nearly five-year sexual assault trial of former neurologist Jeffrey Sloka, MPP Fife tabled it again in May 2026. This time, the bill had three male co-sponsors - MPPs Terence Kernaghan, John Vanthof and Sol Mamakwa.
On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, dozens of survivors and advocates attended the Lydia's Law debate at the legislature to support MPP Catherine Fife's private member's bill. 21 of the attendees shared their views of Ontario's failing justice system in a video called "Testimonies: Why is Lydia's Law important to you?".