Motherisk Hair Analysis Independent Review
The Motherisk Hair Analysis Independent Review was established by the Government of Ontario on November 26, 2014. The Honourable Susan Lang was appointed Independent Reviewer.
By Order in Council dated April 22, 2015, and on the recommendation of the Independent Reviewer, the Government of Ontario expanded the mandate of the Motherisk Hair Analysis Independent Review.
The Independent Reviewer's expanded mandate is to conduct a review and provide a report of her findings and recommendations respecting:
- the adequacy and reliability of the hair-strand drug and alcohol testing methodology utilized by Motherisk between 2005 and 2015 for use as evidence in child protection and criminal proceedings;
- the extent to which the operation of the Motherisk laboratory between 2005 and 2015 was consistent with internationally recognized forensic standards;
- other matters related to the operation of the Motherisk laboratory that the Independent Reviewer considers necessary and appropriate to address as a result of her review; and
- whether the use of evidence derived from Motherisk’s hair-strand drug and alcohol testing in criminal and child protection proceedings has implications warranting an additional review or process with respect to specific cases or classes of cases and, if so, the nature and extent of any such review or process.
In fulfilling her mandate, the Independent Reviewer may consider the manner in which hair-strand drug and alcohol testing evidence has been utilized in various legal proceedings, but shall not report on any individual cases that are, have been, or may be the subject of child protection or criminal investigations or proceedings.
The Independent Reviewer is required to deliver her final report and recommendations to the Attorney General by no later than December 15, 2015.
Order in Council, November 26, 2014
Revised Order in Council, April 22, 2015
Call for Submissions