Commissioner Lamer granted an extension

Justice Minister Tom Marshall announced today government has granted Commissioner Antonio Lamer a five-month extension to complete his public inquiry report into alleged miscarriages of justice in the cases of Gregory Parsons, Randy Druken and Ronald Dalton.

Minister Marshall said the report, originally due December 31, 2005 must now be submitted to government by June 1, 2006. "Commissioner Lamer asked for more time to complete his report and it is in the best interest of the administration of justice in this province to provide him with the time he needs to make the appropriate recommendations," said Minister Marshall. "Public inquiries are complex and require a thorough and comprehensive examination of the facts."

The Lamer Inquiry, announced in March 2003, has a mandate to review the investigations and circumstances surrounding the resulting criminal proceedings commenced against Gregory Parsons and Randy Druken. The inquiry was also asked to review why Ronald Dalton's appeal of his murder conviction, took eight years before it was heard by the Court of Appeal. The inquiry concluded in June 2005.

"Government must take the necessary steps to maintain public confidence in the justice system," added Minister Marshall. "We look forward to the final submission by Commissioner Lamer, and have the utmost confidence that the recommendations will improve the administration of justice in the province."

Media contact: Billy Hickey, Communications, (709) 729-6985, 691-6390

2005 12 29        10:00 a.m.