First Nation Juries Review Committee Named
"I’m confident that this group, with input and advice from our First Nation partners, has the right mix of professional expertise and lived experience to help us find the practical solutions we need to enhance the representation of First Nation people on juries. I look forward to seeing progress from the committee very soon.” John Gerretsen, Attorney General
Members to Chart the Way Forward on Improvements to the Justice System
Ontario has appointed 11 individuals to a committee that will help enhance First Nation representation on juries.
Led by co-chairs Alvin Fiddler, Deputy Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Irwin Glasberg, Assistant Deputy Attorney General, committee members will work together to oversee the implementation of the recommendations in the Honourable Frank Iacobucci’s report, First Nations Representation on Ontario Juries.
“For far too long the justice system has failed our people. A tragically disproportionate number of our First Nation and Metis members are being jailed while entire communities have been excluded from participation in the justice system. I am hopeful that with the Iacobucci Report and the formation of the Implementation Committee we can finally create fundamental change that will address this crisis.” Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, Implementation Committee Co-chair
The committee includes Aboriginal leaders, current and former judges, lawyers and policymakers, providing a wide range of perspectives from across the justice sector. The majority of members come from First Nations, including its youth representative Megan Logan, a Georgian College student who recently began her first year in the school’s Aboriginal Community and Social Development program.
Other members include:
- Hon. Marc Bode, Regional Senior Justice, Northwest Region, Ontario Court of Justice, Thunder Bay District
- Sheila Bristo, Director, Divisional Support Branch, Ministry of the Attorney General, Court Services Division
- Margaret Froh, lawyer and former president, Indigenous Bar Association
- Diane Kelly, lawyer and former Grand Council Treaty #3 Grand Chief
- Alison Pilla, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs
- Jenny Restoule-Mallozzi, counsel, Union of Ontario Indians
- Jonathan Solomon, former Chief of the Kashechewan First Nation
- Hon. Erwin W. Stach, former judge of the Superior Court of Justice, Kenora District
"With today’s appointments the committee begins its important work overseeing the implementation of the recommendations of the First Nations Representation on Ontario Juries report authored by the Honourable Frank Iacobucci. The committee members bring a range of perspectives to the table and I look forward to seeing the results of the important work of this committee.” David Zimmer, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
Enhancing First Nation representation on juries is part of the government’s commitment to build a stronger, more accessible justice system and a fair society for all.
Quick Facts
- The Province received Mr. Iacobucci’s report on Feb. 26, 2013, and has since worked with First Nation leaders to determine the membership and mandate of the Implementation Committee. Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Assistant Deputy Attorney General Irwin Glasberg were appointed co-chairs on June 21, 2013.
- The full Implementation Committee will hold its first meeting today.
- The ministry has also committed to implementing Mr. Iacobucci’s recommendation to establish an advisory group that will provide the Attorney General with advice on broader justice issues relating to First Nation people in the justice system. This committee is expected to be established this fall.
