News release

Report on Institutional Abuse Released

Justice

A report on the government's response to institutional abuse was delivered to Justice Minister Michael Baker today.

The report, titled Searching for Justice, An Independent Review of Nova Scotia's Response to Institutional Abuse, is available on the department's Web site, at www.gov.ns.ca/just .

"I wish to acknowledge all who assisted us during this review," said retired justice Fred Kaufman, the report's author. "I received co-operation and support at every turn -- having full access to files -- as well as frank and honest discussions with those involved at every stage of the process."

Mr. Kaufman was asked in November 1999 to determine if the government's response was appropriate, fair and reasonable. The review was to document and describe the government's response to allegations of abuse and to assess the appropriateness of the response in light of the interests of the claimants, the public interest, the interests of staff and former staff and in light of other available options.

"I wish to thank Mr. Kaufman for completing this important task. It appears to be a very comprehensive and thorough report," said Mr. Baker. "We always believed an independent review was needed, and I am grateful we had someone of Mr. Kaufman's integrity to carry out this important examination. I will now take some time to review the report, and its recommendations, and will respond within a few weeks."

The review was expected to take up to 15 months at an estimated budget of $950,000. The 26-month review is expected to cost about $1.5 million.

"While we did take longer than we had anticipated, we had to take the time needed to properly complete the review," said Mr. Kaufman. "It was too important a project to rush."