The Motion states:
“That in the opinion of this House, given the unique circumstances in the case of Steven Truscott, who was unanimously acquitted of murder by the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Province of Ontario should provide compensation to Mr. Truscott in recognition of the miscarriage of justice from which he has suffered for almost 50 years."

Guelph MPP Liz Sandals has introduced a private member's motion seeking compensation for Steven Truscott.

At the age of 14, Truscott was charged and convicted for the rape and murder of 12-year-old Lynne Harper near Clinton, Ontario in 1959.

He was initially sentenced to death, but his sentence was reduced to life in prison in 1960. In 1969 he was granted parole and released from prison.

In 2004 the federal justice minister found that there was a "reasonable basis to conclude that a miscarriage of justice likely occurred" and referred the case to the Ontario Court of Appeal.

In August 2007, the Ontario Court of Appeal declared that a miscarriage of justice had occurred and set aside the convictions.

"Canadian criminal law has no mechanism for issuing a declaration of innocence and no statutory regime for determining compensation," Sandals said in a media statement.

"That is why I am proposing the Ontario Legislature provide guidance in the matter of compensation for Truscott."

The motion will be debated in the House on May 29.