News Release

For Immediate Release
December 20, 2004

Report Available On Ministry Of The Attorney General Website

TORONTO — A report on Ontario's arbitration process and its impact on vulnerable people was released today by Attorney General Michael Bryant and Sandra Pupatello, Minister Responsible for Women's Issues.

"The McGuinty government is committed to increasing public confidence in the arbitration process and strengthening our justice system, while ensuring vulnerable people are protected," said Bryant. "We have just received this report and look forward to considering the recommendations contained in it."

The report was written by Marion Boyd, who served as Attorney General from 1993 to 1995 and Women's Issues Minister from 1991 to 1995. Boyd was appointed by the Ontario government to review the arbitration process and its impact on vulnerable people. The appointment was made after public concerns were expressed about religious arbitrations based on Sharia or Muslim personal law.

"We would like to thank Marion Boyd for her dedicated efforts in engaging the public and carrying out this review," said Pupatello. "Her background and commitment to helping women and vulnerable groups made her the ideal candidate to undertake such a complex and important task."

The full report is available on the Ministry of the Attorney General's website at www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca.

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