(PERTH, ON) Randy Hillier, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox & Addington has tabled two new Private Member Bills that restore justice, oversight and people’s rightful role in Ontario’s legal system.
The first of the two Bills would re-institute the option of jury trials in the case of certain provincial offences. This option would be applied to all indictable and provincial offences that may result in imprisonment, seizure of property, loss of business licence or ability to practice a profession, or fines in excess of $25000. The bill will bring oversight to Ontario’s legal system by ensuring that a defendant can be judged by a jury of his peers – a foundation of Common Law.
“Under certain circumstances, it must be the choice of the defendant to have the option of a jury trail,” said Mr. Hillier. “Juries offer invaluable oversight not just in the finding of fact, but also the merit of the law itself. Without the option of juries our Common Law becomes the law of elites and the most effective means of educating people in self-government is extinguished.”
Hillier introduced a second bill which would allow a convicted person to choose the option of imprisonment rather than a fine. The Bill also eliminates the current requirement that any person seeking an appeal must first pay the fine in order to appeal the decision.
“This Bill holds true to our values as a democracy, Our legal system is increasingly being seen as a means to generate revenue by government, and less as a means to prevent injustice.” said Hillier. “The present system in fact eliminates many people from seeking an appeal due to financial hardship. There should be no requirement for financial punishment until the legal process, including appeals are concluded. In cases where an individual may have to claim bankruptcy or lose their ability to earn a living, that individual should have options for punishment.”
“I believe these bills are in keeping with our finest Common Law traditions,” said Hillier. “It’s time we brought fairness, justice and oversight back into Ontario’s legal system and work to restore our system of justice. I believe these modest changes are the first step.”
Randy Hillier, MPP Lanark Frontenac Lennox, is a co-founder of the Lanark Landowners Association, which was brought to life to address government imposition on the rights of private property owners, and to address the regressive regulatory impositions that government was bringing down upon farmers and business owners in rural Ontario.
In 2006, Randy resigned as President of the OLA in order to run as a candidate for the Progressive Conservatives. Randy was elected in the 2007 provincial election.
Randy a long-time resident of Lanark County, an electrician by trade and member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), continues to co-publish and edit rural Ontario’s successful magazine “The Landowner.”
