Opposition: ‘secret’ law change province’s way of admitting mistake

The so-called ‘secret law’ used to give police extra powers during the G20 summit in Toronto in 2010 is being scaled back by the Ontario government.

The law is the public works protection act. It dates back to World War II and was designed to protect courthouses from sabotage during that time.

But critics say it was used to arrest of hundreds of protesters during the G20; they also say the province let people believe it gave police more powers than it actually did.

The Liberals are refusing to offer any apology, and say there was a communications problem with the way it was used to give police the authority to stop and search people. However the government is updating the act based on recommendations by former chief Justice Roy McMurtry.

But opposition parties say updating the law is the McGuinty government’s way of admitting it was wrong.

Opposition leader Tim Hudak: “Nobody forced them to bring in this secret law for the G20.”
“This was in a deep slumber since World War II so they’re trying to avoid the issue. They brought forward a law and didn’t tell anybody that took away basic civil rights and liberties.”

NDP leader Andrea Horwath: “The decisions made around the G20 were wrong. I think it caused a great deal of problems. I mean let’s look at the facts. How many people were arrested? Over 1000 and very few charges actually stuck. I think this is the government admitting they were wrong. I think by cleaning this up is perhaps all we’re gonna get. “

In his G20 report, McMurty noted police and security guards do not have to justify their actions against citizens.

The updated law will only apply to courthouse and hydro generating stations.

Video: Melissa Raftis reports: