MILGAARD INQUIRY TO BE ESTABLISHED

Released on September 30, 2003

Saskatchewan will establish a Commission of Inquiry to look into the investigation of the 1969 rape and murder of Gail Miller and the subsequent conviction of David Milgaard for the crime.

"In 1997, the Government of Saskatchewan committed to hold a public inquiry into this matter and we will fulfill that promise," Justice Minister Eric Cline said. "It is our view that the preliminary work to establish a Commission of Inquiry should proceed as soon as possible."

Minister Cline said the mandate of the inquiry will be as broad as necessary to ensure that all aspects of the investigation into Gail Miller's death and the criminal proceedings involving the charge that David Milgaard murdered Gail Miller will be examined.

Over the next several weeks the province will name a Commissioner and the Terms of Reference will be established. The Commission can then begin the organization of the infrastructure and processes required to complete the inquiry.

On September 29th, 2003, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal issued a unanimous decision to dismiss Mr. Fisher's appeal. Counsel for Mr. Fisher has 60 days in which to file an application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Should Mr. Fisher apply for leave to appeal, the Commission would not conduct any public hearings until the Supreme Court has ruled on the leave application. Should the Supreme Court grant leave, any Commission hearings would be suspended pending the outcome of the appeal.

"We will proceed with planning the inquiry, while remaining respectful of the deliberations of the courts," Cline said.

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For More Information, Contact:

Debi McEwen Justice Regina Phone: (306)787-6043 Email: dmcewen@justice.gov.sk.ca