News Release

TORONTO - Attorney General Michael Bryant announced today that Justice Sidney Linden has been appointed to lead an independent, public inquiry into the events surrounding the death of Dudley George.

"Ontarians will receive a full airing of the facts by an independent commissioner into what happened eight years ago at Ipperwash," said Bryant. "We are fulfilling our long-standing commitment to have a full and independent public inquiry."

In leading the inquiry, established under section 2 of the Public Inquiries Act, Justice Linden has a broad mandate to:

• Inquire into and report on events surrounding the death of Dudley George; and
• Make recommendations directed to the avoidance of violence in similar circumstances.

Justice Linden has had extensive experience as a lawyer, arbitrator, administrator and judge. He practised law from 1966-78 and during that time also served as chair of many boards of arbitration.

Since 1978, he has had a long history of firsts, including first Police Complaints Commissioner of Metropolitan Toronto (1980-85), first executive director of the Canadian Auto Workers Prepaid Legal Services Plan (1985-87), and first Information and Privacy Commissioner (1987-90).

From 1990-99, he was chief justice of the newly amalgamated Ontario Court of Justice, and in 1999 he became the first chair of Legal Aid Ontario, while on leave from the court.

"I have asked Justice Linden to conduct a thorough review," said Bryant. "I look forward to receiving recommendations that will help us learn from the past and help promote peaceful resolutions in the future."

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