Independent Review of Rehtaeh Parson's Case

Progress Report - March 2017

Young people face difficult issues today, including online bullying and other forms of sexualized violence.

Following the death of Rehtaeh Parsons in 2013, the Province hired Murray Segal Q.C. to review the initial police investigation and public prosecution response to the case. He delivered his report October 8, 2015. It highlighted the absence of a cohesive and comprehensive response by police, the public school system, victim and mental health services to her and her family's crisis.

While the Segal report outlined specific recommendations as a result of one family's tragedy, the changes he recommended will help better support all families and individuals who need help.

The report and its 17 recommendations represent a significant step toward better responses by police, the Public Prosecution Service, and the justice system to addressing cases of sexualized violence and cyberbullying of young persons.

Justice has been coordinating with the other agencies and departments to respond to the recommendations.

Over the past year, police, the PPS, the departments of Justice and Education and Early Childhood Development have made significant progress in addressing the recommendations.

To date 14 recommendations are complete and three remain underway.