Justice
January 22, 2009

Minister of Justice Requests Review into Case of Former Citizens� Representative

The Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, announced today that he has requested the House of Assembly Management Commission to endorse the introduction of a resolution, during the next session of the House of Assembly, to conduct an independent review into the case of former Citizens� Representative Fraser March.

"I have asked the Government House Leader to request the Management Commission of the House of Assembly to endorse the introduction of a resolution during the spring session that will allow for an impartial and independent review into the circumstances of Mr. March�s tenure as Citizens� Representative," said Minister Marshall.

Mr. March was appointed Citizens� Representative in December 2001. A 2004 report of the Auditor General raised concerns relating to travel expenses in the Office of the Citizens� Representative. The Internal Economy Commission of the House of Assembly conducted a review of the concerns raised by the Auditor General and subsequently, Mr. March was removed from his position by a vote of House of Assembly December 12, 2005. On April 26, 2007, the Trial Division of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador dismissed an application by Mr. March and concluded that due to parliamentary privilege, the motion passed in the House of Assembly was immune from judicial review.

"It is important, in the interests of natural justice, that Mr. March be provided the opportunity to have his case reviewed. To that end, I am requesting a review by a retired judge," said Minister Marshall. "While I support and respect the ruling of the Trial Division of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador I believe this review to be necessary and in the best interest of the Office of the Citizens� Representative."

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Media contact:

Ken Morrissey
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 685-6612
kenmorrissey@gov.nl.ca

2008 01 22                                                     1:35 p.m.
 


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