MNO’s Director of Strategic Policy, Law and Compliance Margaret Froh named to the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Group
Margaret Froh speaking at the MNO/Law Society of
Upper Canada event during Louis Riel Day 2013 in
Toronto.
Margaret Froh, the Métis Nation of Ontario’s (MNO) Director of Strategic Policy, Law and Compliance has been appointed to a 12-member advisory group to examine important issues affecting Aboriginal Peoples in the justice system.
Co-chaired by Warren White, Grand Council Treaty #3 Ogichidaa (Grand Chief), and Murray Segal, former deputy attorney general of Ontario, the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Group will bring Aboriginal and justice sector leaders together to examine key challenges facing Aboriginal peoples in the justice system and provide advice to the government on ways to improve the system.
Members of the advisory group, all of whom are leaders in their communities and the justice sector, come from diverse backgrounds and offer a variety of perspectives on the justice system. The group includes current and former Aboriginal leaders, justice educators, legal administrators and agency executives. Besides Froh, the other members are:
- Elder Gilbert Smith of Naicatchewinin First Nation
- Conrad Delaronde, former police chief, Grand Council Treaty #3
- Patricia Faries, lawyer and former chief of Moose Cree First Nation
- Robert Lapper, Q.C., CEO, Law Society of Upper Canada and former head, Aboriginal Law Practice Group, Government of British Columbia
- Peshaanakwut Jeff Kinew, youth executive council member, Grand Council Treaty #3
- Chief Kelly LaRocca, Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
- Sylvia Maracle, executive director of the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres
- David McKillop, vice-president of policy, research and external relations for Legal Aid Ontario
- Morris Zbar, former deputy minister of corrections for the Government of Ontario.
By improving the justice system for Aboriginal Peoples, the Ontario government is working with its partners to build a more inclusive, accessible and responsive justice system for all Ontarians.
Quick Facts
Establishing an advisory group was recommended by former Supreme Court justice Frank Iacobucci in his report, First Nations Representation on Ontario Juries.
Since receiving Mr. Iacobucci’s report, Ontario has made important progress on a number of recommendations, including the creation of an implementation committee and the commitment to hire an assistant deputy attorney general of Aboriginal justice.
The advisory group will hold its first meeting Sept. 19, 2014.
“There is much our government still needs to learn about the ways Aboriginal Peoples experience our justice system. I know that the advisory group members’ wisdom will help us better understand current challenges, and I’d like to thank the members for the work they are doing. I am confident that we will be better able to overcome these challenges with greater collaboration between government and our Aboriginal partners.”
Madeleine Meilleur
Attorney General
“I am honoured to take on the role and responsibility as co-chair of the Aboriginal Justice Advisory Group along with my fellow co-chair Murray Segal and the members who have a wide variety of experience, knowledge and aspirations. I believe we all share a commitment to equitable and appropriate access to the justice system for Aboriginal people, when necessary, and providing recommendations to the attorney general to address underlying systemic issues. I am looking forward to maximizing this unique opportunity for the betterment of Aboriginal people in Ontario.”
Warren White
Co-Chair, Aboriginal Justice Advisory Group
“I am excited to work together with the Ogichidaa, the attorney general and the excellent committee that has been assembled. I believe we can bring together Aboriginal and government perspectives on Aboriginal justice issues. I am confident that together we will be able to provide great advice and insights to government and get some important work done.”
Murray Segal
Co-Chair, Aboriginal Justice Advisory Group
“Working together we can strengthen our understanding of Aboriginal justice issues and develop solutions that bridge cultural differences and foster reconciliation. This advisory group will help us move towards an enriched justice system that is inclusive of Aboriginal Peoples in Ontario.”
David Zimmer
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs