Ontario has launched an independent review of the Public Works Protection Act (PWPA) that will be led by the Honourable R. Roy McMurtry, a former Ontario chief justice.

The review will take into account the historical context of the act, including how it has been used in the past for the purpose of protecting public institutions.

Key areas that will be considered in the review include:

• Requirements for public notice of regulations made under the act.

• The application of the act to large-scale events such as national or international conferences, major sporting events and public demonstrations
• The definition of a public work under the legislation
• The scope of authority given to police to protect a public work.

McMurtry will consult with members of the legal profession, police organizations, civil liberties groups, officials from other jurisdictions and other key partners.  He will also consider recommendations from the Ombudsman’s review of the act, along with relevant findings from any other reviews currently underway before presenting his report and recommendations to the government in the Spring of 2011.