Ontario appeals court judge named to head aboriginal truth commission

"Justice LaForme is an excellent choice for the task. He is compassionate, sensible and very competent"

April 28, 2008

THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA - An Ontario aboriginal judge will head up a commission to look into abuse at Indian residential schools.

Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl has announced that Justice Harry LaForme of the Ontario Court of Appeal will sit as chairman of the truth-and-reconciliation commission.

The commission - modelled along the lines of a similar body that heard witnesses after the collapse of South Africa's apartheid regime - is aimed at providing a forum for former aboriginal students to tell their stories.

Critics had complained about delays in launching the $60 million, five-year panel.

Hearings are expected to be held across the country after the commission is formed on June 1 and two other panel members are chosen.

James Morton
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