NDP MPP blasts Ford for condition of decaying courthouses in Milton and Burlington

The Opposition Critic for the Attorney General has blasted Ontario Premier Doug Ford for the condition of the courthouses in Milton and Burlington.

“Doug Ford is letting courthouses in Milton and Burlington fall apart by putting mouldy Band-Aids on asbestos ceilings. No one, let alone Ontario employees, should have to work in toxic public buildings infested with rodents and potato bugs,” said NDP Toronto Centre MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam.

Wong-Tam was reacting to recent reports of Superior Court judges pulling out of the aging Milton courthouse, located at 491 Steeles Ave. E., for their own safety.

“By ignoring Ontarians and refusing to rebuild the failing courthouses, Ford is denying justice to victims and families as recent criminal hearings pertaining to sexual assault and human trafficking are being cancelled and delayed. Ontario cannot be open for business when our courthouses cannot safely remain open,” said Wong-Tam.

About three years ago, the Ford government scrapped plans for a new courthouse that would cover all of Halton, instead choosing to upgrade the aging facilities in Milton and Burlington.

The recent mould discovery, has forced the closure of several courtrooms. Delays could imperil criminal cases, and even see them dismissed.