The Ontario government is facing renewed pressure to reduce delays in the court system after a first-degree murder charge, laid four years ago, was stayed. The tossing of the murder charge in Ottawa last week is believed to be a first for such a serious crime. On Friday, the Ministry of the Attorney General announced it is appealing and seeking a new trial. Progressive Conservative MPP Randy Hillier said charges are stayed in almost half of all criminal cases in Ontario, a rate among the worst in the country. “The keystone to a safe and secure society is our criminal justice system,” Hillier told reporters at Queen’s Park.

Source: thestar November 21, 2016 16:36 UTC