July 18th, 2023

NDP: Given embarrassing patronage scheme, state of justice system, Tory MPPs should return King’s Counsel title

QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam, the Official Opposition NDP Critic for the Attorney General, released the following statement after yet more evidence shows the King’s Counsel designation is a Conservative patronage scheme designed to reward loyal insiders:

“This government has caused absolute chaos in the courts and it’s affecting Ontarians’ access to justice. It currently takes more than four or five years for a civil action to proceed from commencement to trial. We’ve even seen serious convictions tossed out due to delays.

Justice delayed is justice denied.

But instead of prioritizing fixes to the justice system, Ford's Conservatives have decided to reward themselves and their donors with fancy new titles.

Considering this embarrassing patronage scandal and the state of our courts, the Official Opposition is calling on each of the Conservative MPPs bestowed with the King’s Counsel title to voluntarily return it.

If they merit the title and it is important to them, Conservative MPPs can then apply through the transparent process that the Conservatives have promised.”

CONSERVATIVE MPPs AWARDED KING’S COUNSEL

Jess Dixon, K.C.
Doug Downey, K.C.
Anthony Leardi, K.C.
Robin Martin, K.C.
Todd McCarthy, K.C.
Caroline Mulroney, K.C.
Greg Rickford, K.C.
Ross Romano, K.C.
Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, K.C.
Brian Saunderson, K.C.
Michael Tibollo, K.C.
Effie Triantafilopoulos, K.C.

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