The provincial government plans on introducing changes to the Limitations Act.
John Hogan made the announcement in the House of Assembly yesterday.
Newfoundland and Labrador is currently one of only two provinces to have a statute of limitations on physical abuse—either two years after the abuse happened, or two years after the victim turns 19 in the case of child abuse.
Last year Jack Whalen, who suffered abuse at the Whitbourne Boys home back in the 70s, including spending over two years in isolation, submitted a petition to government looking for change.
Hogan would not comment on what changes government is looking to make, as the bill has not yet been finalized and will need to be presented in the House of Assembly.
Hogan also would not comment on when government plans on bringing forward and debating the proposed changes.
He says government has a very heavy agenda right now, mostly relating to the budget. However, if time allows and the bill is finalized they will bring it forward because “there’s no reason to delay it other than timing in the House.”