Guelph Woman Among Survivors Suing Liberals for Inaction on Abuse Cases

The legal challenge highlights the consequences of the 2016 Supreme Court ruling in R. v. Jordan, which set time limits of 18 months for provincial court trials and 30 months for superior court trials. Charges that take longer to reach trial are often stayed, as delays are considered violations of the accused’s right to a timely trial.

Speaking at a press conference in Toronto, lawyer Kathryn Marshall, who represents the plaintiffs, emphasized the widespread impact of these delays on survivors across the country. She stated the Liberal government has failed to take the necessary steps to resolve a crisis that originates, in part, from federal jurisdiction and oversight.

Victim advocate Cait Alexander, also a plaintiff in the case and founder of End Violence Everywhere, stated, “Our justice system is not only failing victims, it is protecting criminals,” in reference to the outcomes produced under the current system.

Despite repeated promises by the Liberal federal government to improve access to justice and address gender-based violence—including policy commitments made in recent mandates and federal budgets – critics argue that meaningful reforms have not materialized. The lawsuit directly challenges the government’s follow-through on these pledges, particularly in addressing the systemic court delays that continue to compromise criminal proceedings.