Who Speaks for the Public?

Written by David Sterns on April 19, 2025

THEM:
“Why are you being so vocal about the Civil Rules Reform Committee? Who do you even represent?”


ME:
We represent:
• Elderly homeowners defrauded by door-to-door salespeople
• Indigenous youth challenging a discriminatory child welfare system
• Prisoners forced to pay unconscionable rates to speak with their families
• Bank tellers pressured to work overtime without pay
• Disabled students on ODSP whose meagre allowances were clawed back
• Investors defrauded by syndicated mortgage schemes
• Children and survivors whose explicit videos were allegedly rebroadcast for profit
• Children prisoners subjected to illegal, routine strip searches (*)

None of these people want their discovery rights gutted.

They didn’t ask for a litigation system modeled on commercial arbitration, and they weren’t represented on the committee that proposed it.

I don’t practice personal injury or medical malpractice, but I know the lawyers who do. And they are just as concerned.

So let me ask:
Who on the Civil Rules Reform Committee spoke for the public?
Judging from the Bay Street focus of the Committee’s composition and recommendations, the answer seems clear: no one.

(*all allegedly)

#AccessToJustice #CivilReform #OntarioLaw #Litigation #FraudVictims #RulesOfCivilProcedure #JusticeForAll