THE PROVINCIAL LIBERALS WOULD LIKE YOU TO AGREE TO GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO BE CONSIDERED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY. IF YOU DO NOTHING, THEN IT WILL HAPPEN:
This is the message from a Facebook page called POA-AMP Opposition Group, formed to organize and implement a plan to create effective opposition to the proposed Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS). If you haven’t heard about it, you are not alone. The deadline to comment on this new system is April 28th, 2015. David Reevely, a journalist with the Ottawa Citizen, writes that “The Ontario government wants to save money and speed up the justice system by lowering the standards of proof needed to convict people of non-criminal offences and moving a lot of those cases out of courts.” http://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/columnists/reevely-lower-standards-of-proof-and-online-hearings-are-among-ontarios-ideas-for-speeding-up-courts
From the Facebook page:
“I don’t know how often you go on the Attorney General’s webpage so I’m going to suggest looking at the following link. http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/poa_consultation.asp The Attorney General is proposing a new way to handle provincial offences. At this point they are looking mostly at parking, idling, handicap space type infractions; however, they are looking at a phased approach so little by little they want to change the system.
I know, right now the system sucks…right? Well what is proposed is called the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) and it is being looked at for infractions of provincial statutes and municipal by-laws in Ontario. So what does that mean? Well, it means that a system is being looked into that will make things seem easier.
What it really means is that, as this is phased in, more and more of our rights will be taken away. The right to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty is removed from the equation. The only method of “fighting” the charge is through methods such as online. The only “fighting” you will be doing is with regard to the amount of the fine, which they will let you ‘dicker’ with the officer; however, if you are issued a ticket or fine or summons – you are guilty. So in other words, there is no ‘fight’.
A police officer, bylaw officer or citizen (citizen information/complaint) says you have done something – then that’s the end of it. You’ve done it.
Please take a few minutes, follow this link, read the information, and respond to the questions. The deadline for submissions is April 14, 2015. Don’t let your rights be taken away from you. Let them know that there are options besides taking away your rights. We have Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABC) and one option would be to set up a tribunal to deal with parking issues and minor offences. Make sure to let them know that is not acceptable to further this AMPS issue into areas above the $100.00 point. If this is changed, and you are ticketed in the amount of $375.00 for instance, there is no argument. You are guilty – you will pay.
Let them know that taking away our rights is not acceptable. After the public consultation, the process will move on to legal organizations. Don’t be afraid to let the legal organizations in Ontario that you do not find this acceptable.
Anyway, read the paper for yourself. It is an easy read. Answer the questions, add your own comments and fire it off (email). I urge you not to stand still on this issue. http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/poa_consultation.asp