Apology accepted

It can be hard to say I’m sorry, especially when that apology might cost you big in a lawsuit. Now the Ontario government is trying to make those two little words a little easier. Bill 59, An Act Respecting Apologies would, if passed, make an apology inadmissible in court as evidence of fault or liability, presumably allowing doctors, police officers and other professionals to openly fess up to their mistakes without worrying about the millions they will have to pay out as a result. The idea behind the bill is to move along the healing (and legal) process by acknowledging the harm done to victims, ease their suffering and potentially avoid litigation altogether. David Orazietti, the Liberal backbencher who introduced the idea in a private member’s bill, is quoted saying “This barrier in our legal system has taken the humanity out of our interactions with one another at times when our best traits—compassion, understanding, empathy and sympathy—are most needed,” proving that you can, in fact, legislate kindness.