Ontario Unlocks Fairer Justice: Juror Pay Soars to $120/Day from Day One

In a landmark decision set to significantly bolster the fairness and accessibility of its justice system, Ontario has announced a substantial increase in juror compensation. Effective immediately, citizens fulfilling their vital civic duty as jurors will now receive $120 per day, right from the very first day of service.

This transformative change replaces a long-criticized system where jurors went unpaid for the initial 10 days, a policy that often created severe financial hardship and excluded a broad spectrum of the population from participating in justice.

The previous compensation structure was a stark deterrent: zero pay for the first 10 days, followed by a meagre $40 daily for days 11 to 49, and only reaching $100 per day after 50 days of service.

Such an arrangement disproportionately impacted individuals with lower incomes, precarious employment, or those who simply couldn't afford to take extended time off work without compensation. This effectively skewed the demographic of potential jurors, raising concerns about the true representativeness of juries, a cornerstone of a fair trial.

Attorney General Doug Downey lauded the new initiative, emphasizing its role in dismantling financial barriers and fostering a more inclusive and diverse jury pool.

"Jury duty is a cornerstone of our justice system, and no citizen should face undue financial hardship for fulfilling this critical civic responsibility," Downey stated. The move is a direct response to persistent calls from legal professionals, advocacy groups, and even a private member's bill, all highlighting the urgent need for reform.

This bold increase is poised to have a profound impact.

By ensuring immediate and equitable compensation, Ontario aims to attract a wider cross-section of society to jury service, reflecting the true diversity of its communities. This is not merely about better pay; it's about strengthening the very foundation of justice by ensuring that juries are truly representative of their peers, bringing varied perspectives and experiences to the deliberation process.

Beyond the pay raise, Ontario is also taking steps to broaden access to jury selection by expanding the types of identification acceptable during the process.

These combined efforts signal a clear commitment to modernizing the justice system and removing obstacles that have historically hindered participation. While the projected cost of this reform is estimated at $4.3 million in its first year, rising to $12.7 million as court operations normalize post-pandemic, the investment is seen as essential for upholding the integrity and equity of judicial proceedings for all Ontarians.