The LCO is completing its current projects now. You can expect to see final reports in the older adults, persons with disabilities and family law projects in June and in the fall. The vulnerable workers project should be finished in early 2013.
In the summer we're beginning two new projects. One is on capacity and guardianship and it will draw on the work we've done on the older adults and persons with disabilities projects. We'll be testing our frameworks on this project. Lauren Bates will head the project and we'll be creating an advisory group. We'll be doing a great deal of consultation with members of these communities, advocacy groups and service providers, lawyers in the area and we'll be engaged in a dialogue with government on the issues.
The second project is a narrower one, a review of the Forestry Workers Lien for Wages Act. This statute is out of step with contemporary conditions in the industry. It is unusual in that it has a geographic limitation, to "the County of Haliburton and the territorial districts".
Consider this a call out for project proposals. Anyone can submit a proposal - a couple of pages explaining what requires reform, why reform is required and why the LCO is the right body to do are sufficient. Take a look at our website more information and some proposals we have received in the past.
When we receive proposals, we make sure they fit our mandate and our capacity over the next little while to undertake it. You can see a list of our projects the website. The first step is to prepare a "first stage" project proposal for the Board of Governors to gauge their interest in the project as one that they think the LCO should consider undertaking. If they do, the next step is a more thorough proposal for their approval. If they approve the policy, I assign someone to head it and work proceeds from there.
Sometimes proposals do look a bit different from their original versions, and it should be understood that the results aren't always what people hope. We take an independent impartial approach to looking at issues and it may turn out that the subject is a bit more complex that it first appeared. We always consult with those affected by an area of law.
Don't hesitate to get in touch to discuss project proposals. We want to hear from you!
