Press Release |
May 18, 2011
OSPCA Keeping LeSage-Meek Report Under Wraps
Newmarket-Aurora MPP Frank Klees today called on the McGuinty government and the OSPCA to release the findings of an independent investigation into the OSPCA's Newmarket shelter.
Retired Justice Patrick LeSage and Dr. Alan Meek were commissioned to conduct the investigation following province-wide reaction to the OSPCA's planned killing of the entire population of animals under the care of the OSPCA's Newmarket shelter.
The OSPCA initially justified the planned euthanization as the only way to deal with an outbreak of ringworm at the shelter. Due to overwhelming pressure from veterinarians and the public, the OSPCA was forced to cancel its plans, but not until 102 animals had been killed.
Klees had called on the government to put a stop to the planned euthanasia, but was rebuffed by government ministers who claimed they had no authority to intervene.
In response to public pressure and calls for an independent investigation by Klees in the legislature, the LeSage-Meek investigation was commissioned, with a commitment that it would be made public.
Klees confirmed with Justice LeSage's office yesterday, that the report had been completed and delivered to the OSPCA.
Today, he called for the report to be made public, as promised.
Video of Question:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wvJWIGTvCk
Background:
http://www.frank-klees.on.ca/Newsroom/OSPCAstayMay11_2010.htm
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Ontario Hansard May 18, 2011
ANIMAL PROTECTION
Mr. Frank Klees: To the Minister of Community Safety: Justice Patrick LeSage and Dr. Alan Meek agreed to conduct an independent investigation into the unnecessary killing of 102 animals at the OSPCA’s Newmarket shelter. They did so on the understanding that that report would be made public.
My question to the minister is this: The fact is that we have learned from Justice LeSage’s office that that report was released to the OSPCA some time ago. Was that report conveyed to the minister? If so, why has it not been made public?
Hon. James J. Bradley: As the member would be aware, it was the OSPCA that actually commissioned the report with Justice LeSage. I’m sure that Justice LeSage gave it considerable deliberation. I think it was Justice LeSage and Mr. Meek at the same time who did this report on behalf of that organization. I’m sure that that organization has looked very carefully at the report, is analyzing it and will distribute that report as it deems appropriate. That report is a report, after all, of that particular organization.
I know that Justice LeSage and others who would be involved in advising on this particular report would be doing a very thorough job. It arose as a result of a situation that arose with the OSPCA, and they asked that it be undertaken, and we’ll all be very interested in the report.
The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bruce Crozier): Supplementary?
Mr. Frank Klees: It’s most disturbing that the report that was delivered to the OSPCA has not been conveyed to the minister who, although he declines responsibility, is responsible for this file. The LeSage-Meek report will either vindicate the minister’s confidence in the OSPCA or it will confirm that in fact the OSPCA desperately needs provincial oversight. The minister and Liberal MPPs defeated a resolution in this House that would have ensured provincial oversight of the OSPCA.
I would ask the minister to ensure that the report is conveyed to his attention immediately and that it is made public, so that we can know whether the minister is vindicated or whether the resolution that called for provincial oversight was in fact the right thing to do.
Hon. James J. Bradley: I have to say to the member, first of all, that I hope I didn’t imply to him that I have not received a copy of the report; I have. I simply say to him that while I would be analyzing and looking at the provisions of it, it is not our report to release. It is their report. I am confident they will release it to the public. I’m looking forward with anticipation to that. I think it’ll engender a good deal of interest in the public. They will have canvassed a lot of the issues that were asked for by the OSPCA, and they will be releasing that to the public appropriately. They have to deal with their board and with a number of other people there.
I’m very confident that they are going to be releasing that report. I think all of us will look forward to analyzing it very carefully and determining what action might be forthcoming from such a report that I think we all feel is—