25 October 2008

Finally, the province, through the Ministry of the Attorney General, has set a deadline for the Cornwall Public Inquiry to complete its testimony, final submissions and the commissioner's final report.

In one sense it is a welcome development as the Inquiry in nearing the three-year mark and many throughout the community, particularly those not directly involved, have changed their opinions about its necessity, simply because of the timeline.

The Jan. 30 deadline might help some of those sitting on the fence to see its efficacy.

Heading in the other direction, it is difficult to understand why the ministry would take this approach now, when only three institutions -local school boards, the Ontario Provincial Police and the ministry itself -remain to be questioned regarding their response to allegations of historical abuse.

In setting the deadlines, Attorney General Chris Bentley said it was important that "the people of Ontario get the information and the advice as quickly as possible so that we can put the advice to good use."

That's fine and well. Unfortunately, it comes years too late.