Ontario sets up panel to tackle justice system ‘crisis’ for First Nations

TORONTO – Ontario has set up a committee to oversee implementation of recommendations aimed at tackling the crisis facing aboriginals in the justice and jury system.

Establishing the committee was the first of 17 recommendations made by former Supreme Court of Canada justice Frank Iacobucci in February.

Attorney General John Gerretsen says Alvin Fiddler, deputy grand chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, will co-chair the panel with Irwin Glasberg, an assistant deputy minister.

In his report, Iacobucci found the problem went well beyond the lack of First Nations on juries.

He said the justice system as applied to First Nations peoples, particularly in the north, was in crisis.

His report found aboriginals experience “systemic discrimination” when it comes to criminal justice or child services and the courts.