The government has received the Honourable Susan Lang’s final report on the adequacy and reliability of the hair strand testing method used by Motherisk Drug Testing Laboratory for child protection and criminal cases between 2005 and 2015. The report recommends that an independent commissioner be appointed to assist individuals who may have been affected by Motherisk’s flawed hair testing methodology. On December 22, 2015 Attorney General Madeleine Meilleur made the following statement regarding the selection of an independent commissioner to assist individuals who may have been impacted:”Our government continues to be deeply concerned by the Honourable Susan Lang’s findings regarding the adequacy and reliability of hair tests conducted at the Motherisk laboratory. We are committed to moving as quickly as possible to help those who may have been impacted by the laboratory’s flawed testing practices. That’s why I wish to announce that the Honourable Justice Judith C. Beaman has agreed to lead an independent commission that will provide support to people who have been affected by a Motherisk hair test.”If you believe that you may have been impacted by a Motherisk test and have been involved with an Ontario Children’s Aid Society, you can call 1-855-235-8932 to register your name, which will then be provided to the independent Commissioner. Through this number, individuals can also be put in touch with short-term counselling services to provide immediate support for potentially affected individuals, as required.
