Wynne apologizes to former Huronia clients

Premier Kathleen Wynne issued a formal apology in the legislature on Dec. 9 to former residents of institutions for the developmentally delayed.

The apology comes on the heels of a class-action lawsuit that was settled back in September with former Huronia Regional Centre residents, many of whom suffered abuse during their time at the institution.

The terms of the settlement included the formal apology, as well as $35 million in damages, a promise to maintain a cemetery with unmarked graves on the institution's site, as well as create a registry of all those buried there.

“I offer an apology to the men, women and children of Ontario who were failed by a model of institutional care for people with developmental disabilities,” Wynne said.

“We must look in the eyes of those who have been affected, and those they leave behind, and say: 'We are sorry.'

“As premier, and on behalf of all the people of Ontario, I am sorry for your pain, for your losses, and for the impact that these experiences must have had on your faith in this province, and in your government. I am sorry for what you and your loved ones experienced, and for the pain you carry to this day.”