CHARLES SMITH BLOG IS BACK IN ACTION: GOUDGE INQUIRY REPORT TO BE RELEASED OCTOBER 1;

This Blog is back in action!

In a recent message to our readers I noted that I had been forced to delay my return to Canada from France because my son-in-law Steve Satov had become seriously ill while separately vacationing with his family in the South of France.

The good news is that the infection which had invades Steve's body has been eliminated by the anti-biotics, Steve's open heart surgery in Marseilles went extremely well, Steve and his family were able to return to Toronto on a commercial airliner on Saturday - and my wife and I are finally home;

The timing could not have been more fortuitous as just hours ago the Goudge Commission released an announcement that its report would be released on October 1 at noon - after being forwarded to the government;

Here is the official notice;

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INQUIRY REPORT TO BE RELEASE TO THE PUBLIC ON OCTOBER 1, 2008

The Hon. Stephen T. Goudge, Commissioner of the Inquiry into Pediatric Forensic Pathology in Ontario, plans to release his report to the public at 12 noon on Wednesday, October 1, 2008.

The Report is expected to be transmitted to Attorney General Chris Bentley shortly before the public release.

The public release is expected to take place at a media news conference in the Toronto Ballroom at the Metropolitan Hotel, 108 Chestnut Street in Toronto.

The Report will be available on this web page at the time of release - 12 Noon, October 1, 2008.

Printed copies and CD-Roms will be available for purchase at Publications Ontario outlets after the date of release.

Public hearings were held from November 12, 2007 to February 29, 2008. Closing submissions were heard on March 31 and April 1, 2008.

Transcripts are available on this web page.

In addition to the hearings, the Inquiry conducted a comprehensive research program. The research papers are posted on this website.

The Inquiry into Pediatric Forensic Pathology in Ontario was established by the Government of Ontario under the Public Inquiries Act on April 25, 2007. The Honourable Stephen T. Goudge was appointed Commissioner.

The Inquiry's mandate was to conduct a systemic review and an assessment of the policies, procedures, practices, accountability and oversight mechanisms, quality control measures and institutional arrangements of pediatric forensic pathology in Ontario from 1981 to 2001 as they relate to its practice and use in investigations and criminal proceedings. The Commissioner was asked to make recommendations to address systemic failings and restore and enhance public confidence in pediatric forensic pathology in Ontario.

The Commission's mandate did not include reporting on any individual cases that have been or may be subject to a criminal investigation or proceeding. However, members of the Commission met privately with individuals or families affected by practices in Ontario's pediatric forensic pathology system between 1981 and 2001. These meetings were not part of the formal hearing process. There are no transcripts of the meetings."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

During the next month I hope to hear from our readers as to their expectations of the Goudge report - and what they would like to see Commissioner Goudge recommend.

I will undoubtedly have some input of my own;

Best wishes,

Harold Levy;