Class-action lawsuit claimants getting old, dying; Ontario must act

DAVID MCKILLOP, WITH HIS WIFE EILEEN IN THEIR GANANOQUE HOME, IS SUING THE ONTARIO GOVERNMENT FOR $1 BILLION FOR HIS TREATMENT AT THE RIDEAU REGIONAL CENTRE IN SMITHS FALLS.

GANANOQUE, Ont. - The Ontario government is dragging its heels on three class-action lawsuits by developmentally challenged residents of former provincial institutions, the claimants and their lawyers say.

"People are getting older and dying," said Vicky Clarke, a litigation guardian for 62-year-old David McKillop, who is the lead plaintiff in one of the lawsuits.

McKillop lived at Rideau Regional Centre in Smiths Falls, Ont., for 17 years, from 1955-'72, and says residents suffered emotional, physical and psychological abuse at the home for mentally and physically challenged residents.

His $1-billion suit seeks compensation for thousands of former residents.

Class-action lawsuits were also filed by former residents of the Huronia residence in Orillia and the Southwest Regional Centre near Chatham. All three residences were closed in 2009.  (more...)

Class-action lawsuit claimants getting old, dying; Ontario must act