News Release

For Immediate Release
May 30, 2005

Building Named After R. Roy McMurtry And Ian Scott

TORONTO — Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and Attorney General Michael Bryant today officially named the Ministry of the Attorney General building the McMurtry-Scott Building, in honour of former attorney general Chief Justice R. Roy McMurtry and former attorney general Ian Scott.

"It is my hope that the administration of justice in this province always lives up to the names that now adorn this building," said McGuinty. "That those charged with the responsibility of seeking and dispensing justice bring to bear the same sort of intellect, dedication, compassion, courage, and sense of justice that these two fine gentlemen have graced this province with for so many years."

"Both these great men had a strong sense of legal history with a strict bottom line: to serve the public," said Bryant. "They believed strongly in public trust and obligations of the office and saw the law as not an end in itself, but as an instrument with which to effect social change."

During today's ceremony, Premier McGuinty and Minister Bryant, along with former premiers William Davis and David Peterson, unveiled a commemorative plaque that will be placed in the front lobby of the building honouring McMurtry and Scott. The building is located at 720 Bay Street in Toronto.

Ian Scott served as attorney general from 1985-1990. His term was marked by many achievements, from the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act to major reforms of the Ontario court system, case management and alternative dispute resolution. His efforts also resulted in amendments to the Ontario Human Rights Code that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Scott also implemented an objective, merit-based process for judicial appointments and guaranteed the right to use French in Ontario trials. In 1994, he received the Order of Canada.

"I am pleased to learn that my name will join that of my old friend Roy McMurtry on the building that houses the Ministry of the Attorney General," said Scott. "I cannot speak for Roy, but I regard my time as Attorney General as the most exciting, challenging and rewarding of my career. Thank you for this tangible reminder of the best five years of my life."

As attorney general from 1975-1985, Chief Justice McMurtry was responsible for the introduction and passage of more than 50 provincial statutes and established a bilingual court system. He argued major constitutional cases before the Supreme Court of Canada, including the landmark case in 1981 that led to the new constitution. He also played a key role in the negotiations on Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. From 1985 to 1988, Chief Justice McMurtry served as Canada's high commissioner to Britain. He has been chief justice of Ontario since 1996.

"I am of course honoured that the government has decided to name the building of the Ministry of the Attorney General the McMurtry-Scott Building," said McMurtry. "I am particularly pleased that the naming of the building recognizes the distinguished public service of Ian Scott, with whom I have enjoyed a friendship for over 50 years."

"This is a very appropriate honour for two great attorneys general and two very fine men," said former premier David Peterson, who appointed Scott as attorney general in 1985.

"This is a great honour for two excellent attorneys general," said former premier William Davis, who appointed McMurtry as attorney general in 1975. "I extend congratulations to both Roy McMurtry and Ian Scott for their tremendous contributions to Ontario's justice system."

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