Released on August 19, 1997
Justice Minister John Nilson today made the following statement:"With respect to the wrongful conviction of David Milgaard, we have
carefully assessed the question of how compensation should be
determined and the issue of whether a public inquiry will be held. I
am pleased today to announce developments with respect to both of
these matters.
"The Saskatchewan Department of Justice has asked the Honourable Alan
B. Gold, the retired Chief Justice of the Quebec Superior Court, to
enter into negotiations with David Milgaard and his family on behalf
of the Government of Saskatchewan. The purpose of these negotiations
is to determine the amount of compensation to be paid to Mr. Milgaard
for his wrongful conviction, including the question of interim
payment. The negotiations will proceed immediately.
"Mr. Gold has returned to private practice and has a national
reputation as a skilful negotiator. In the past year, he successfully
negotiated a settlement on behalf of the Ontario government for
compensation to be paid to Guy Paul Morin, who had been wrongfully
convicted of murder. "We have asked Mr. Gold to negotiate with the
objective of achieving a fair and principled settlement. We are
confident that his expertise in similarly difficult and unique
matters will help us to frame the principles around compensation
and negotiate an agreement that is acceptable to both the government
and the Milgaards.
"Today, I am also announcing that the Government of Saskatchewan
will hold a full, public inquiry into the investigation of the
death of Gail Miller and the subsequent conviction of David
Milgaard. This inquiry will proceed as soon as it is clear it
will not interfere with any criminal proceedings or civil
litigation. Further details will be announced at an appropriate
time," Nilson said.
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For more information, contact:
Lisa Ann Wood
Saskatchewan Justice
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-7872