Order in Council 2457/2017

On the recommendation of the undersigned, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, by and with the advice and concurrence of the Executive Council of Ontario, orders that:

Whereas the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services wishes to obtain advice on a range of issues with respect to forensic science and the oversight of forensic laboratories in Ontario, including technical elements of the province’s forensic oversight framework and regulation;

And Whereas it has been determined that to obtain such advice, it is desirable to establish an advisory Committee composed of experts in the areas of forensic sciences, health, law, and policing, among other disciplines, who can provide advice with respect to forensic science and the oversight of forensic laboratories, research and best practices, education, training, standards, oversight requirements, as well with respect to the identification of potential gaps that may arise, and changes to the provincial forensic science and laboratory oversight framework that may be required as forensic science and research evolves;

Thefore, the Prerogative of Her Majesty the Queen in right of Ontario to provide for the appointment of advisors to serve Her Majesty’s Government in the discharge of its executive obligations and responsibilities:

Forensics Advisory Committee Established

1. The Forensics Advisory Committee (the “Committee”) is hereby established effective the date of this Order in Council.

Terms of Reference

2. The Committee will operate in accordance with the Terms of Reference set out by the Minister in the document entitled “Terms of Reference for the Forensics Advisory Committee” dated November 2017, and as they may be amended by the Minister from time to time.

Appointments to the Committee

3. The Minister may appoint up to ten members of the Committee and shall designate one member as the Chair.
4. The members of the Committee, including the Chair, shall serve at the Minister’s pleasure for a term not to exceed three years, and may be reappointed for further term or terms of up to three years each.

Remuneration

5. Members of the Committee, including the Chair, shall be paid such remuneration and shall be reimbursed for such expenses as the Lieutenant Governor in Council may determine.

Governance

6. The Committee is subject to the applicable laws of Ontario, the Management Board of Cabinet’s Agencies and Appointments Directive, 2017 and any successor thereto; and to all other applicable government directives, policies and guidelines.