New Proposed Apology Legislation in Ontario

By: Omar Ha-Redeye · October 7, 2008 · Filed Under Legal Reform · 6 Comments 

Just over a month ago I said on Slaw,

…government officials should also review legislation relating to liability of public apologies so that responsible companies like Maple Leaf are not penalized in the process.

It seems someone was paying attention.

A new proposed law would address this issue.  The Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario said in a release today,

The Apology Act would, if passed:

  • Allow individuals and organizations, such as hospitals and other public institutions, to apologize for an accident or wrongdoing, without it being used as evidence of liability in a civil legal proceeding under provincial law
  • Help victims by acknowledging that harm has been done to them — an apology is often key to the healing process
  • Promote accountability, transparency and patient safety by allowing open and frank discussions between patients and health care providers
  • Enhance the affordability and speed of the justice system by fostering the resolution of civil disputes and shortening or avoiding litigation.

B.C., Manitoba, and Saskatchewan have already enacted similar legislation.

xPD from Slaw.

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