Inquiry tab will surpass $30 million

Posted By McIntosh, Claude

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

23 January 2008

The cost of the Cornwall Public Inquiry has become a concern to many as the process drags on far beyond the time frame most expected.

Most of the lawyers representing institutions came into this thing expecting it to wrap up within six months, a year tops.

"It's gone far past (the time) that it should have taken," groaned one lawyer.

One source said the attorney general's office became concerned with the length of time the inquiry has taken, not to mention the enormous cost.

That might be why Commissioner Normand Glaude has been pushing the gas pedal a little harder now holding Monday and Friday sessions.

The hope now is that the inquiry will wrap up by the end of July, but many of the lawyers involved have taken the position of believing that when they see it.

"Maybe . . . but hardly likely," said one lawyer.

And the final bill?

The gloomiest forecast is around $40 million, a figure dismissed by the folks running the inquiry.

In a November announcement the inquiry left the impression that the process had cost taxpayers $11.96 million up to November.

Well, not quite.

According to the attorney general's office, the cost up to November was $22.9 million.

The AG figure includes organizations such as the Ontario Provincial Police, Cornwall Community Police Service, Probation Services and Children's Aid Society, all of which are not funded by the inquiry but certainly draw funds to pay their legal bills from the tax purse.

Using the AG figures, this inquiry could end up costing taxpayers at least $30 million.

And what will that get us? A report that will become one of the country's most expensive dust traps.

Geese running amuck in Lamoureux Park.

Crows filling the skies over the city.

Nobody knows what to do.

Is it the end of civilization as we know it?

The committee that will recommend the city ban pesticide use on public and private property says this is being demanded by citizens. Really.

If this is such a big issue why did a well-publicized public meeting in December draw just a handful of concerned citizens?

Fact is, most people don't understand the issue which has become more of a political issue than health issue.

For further proof that the justice system is going to hades in a handbasket take a look at the "deal" that got a cold-blooded killer of a young Ottawa woman a "life" sentence that could see him out on the streets after eight years.

The Crown crowed about the brokered plea deal being best for all involved.

Yup. Saves time, saves money and gives the Crown's office another undeserved notch in its belt.

The lefties say they have the solution to crimes involving handguns - make it against the law to possess one.

But wait a minute.

Isn't it already against the law to kill, maim or commit any other crime using a handgun?