Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton issued the following statement today in response to the release of the auditor general's special indemnities report:

"We thank the auditor general for his independent report which will guide our ongoing policy development around regulations for special indemnities. The report will assist government in better cost-management associated with indemnities and more transparency in those costs.

"We value the independent confirmation that high-profile special indemnities did not involve political interference and were legally granted.

"In 2012, we acted on recommendations made in an independent review of our legal fee indemnity policy with new regulations. Those regulations address all nine recommendations made by Stephen Toope in his report to government including the criteria that clearly establish how an employee's eligibility is determined and how government provides coverage in criminal prosecutions and the circumstances in which employees can be required to reimburse government."

Media Contact:

Lori DeLuca
Ministry of Justice
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 953-3196