Update regarding allegations relating to prosecutors' conduct

OTTAWA, Jan. 2, 2019 /CNW/ - The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) has received a report from Mr. Robert Prior, summarizing his review of events in the Ontario Regional Office (ORO).

The review identified structural, educational, and process-related issues that contributed to the situation. The PPSC is taking steps to address those issues on a national basis, including putting in place directives and guidelines to clarify procedures and requirements, and developing training to address identified gaps. The Deputy Directors of Public Prosecutions have instructed PPSC prosecutors how to address allegations of misconduct by participants in the justice system in a memorandum titled "Justice System Participant Misconduct."

The PPSC launched the review in response to allegations relating to the conduct of some prosecutors in the ORO made by counsel for Ms. Leora Shemesh in the context of an abuse of process application.

The Public Prosecution Service of Canada is a national organization responsible for prosecuting offences under federal jurisdiction in a manner that is free of any improper influence and that respects the public interest. The PPSC is also responsible for providing prosecution-related advice to law enforcement agencies across Canada.

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SOURCE Public Prosecution Service Canada

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