WE, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the impact of this backlog on access to justice, particularly for vulnerable Ontarians relying on timely adjudication.
WE, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to support the Fixing Tribunals Ontario Backlogs Act, 2024 to:
- Establish dedicated backlog reduction panels, staffed with qualified adjudicators, to specifically address the cases clogging Ontario’s LTB and HRTO.
- Form an Access to Justice Committee tasked with recommending improvements to Ontario’s tribunals, including the restoration of in-person hearings where appropriate, as well as increased funding for legal aid and duty counsel services to ensure fair support on hearing days.
- Implement a non-partisan, merit-based selection process to appoint experienced, knowledgeable adjudicators to Ontario’s tribunals
We urge the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to pass the Fixing Tribunals Ontario Backlogs Act, 2024 promptly, ensuring that the integrity of Ontario’s justice system is restored and that access to justice remains a right for all Ontarians.