Forensics centre ‘unlawfully’ keeping DNA data of innocent people, suit alleges
TORONTO — A proposed class action lawsuit alleges Ontario’s renowned forensic sciences centre has been illegally retaining sensitive genetic data from people who voluntarily submitted bodily samples as part of a criminal investigation and were then excluded as suspects.
In his unproven statement of claim against the province, the proposed representative plaintiff argues the centre’s failure to destroy the DNA records violated his privacy and provisions of the Criminal Code.
The proposed action seeks $30 million in general damages and another $2 million in punitive damages.
According to a statement of claim filed in Superior Court, members of the proposed class voluntarily submitted DNA samples via police to the Centre of Forensic Sciences starting in June 2000 to help in criminal probes. None was convicted as a result, the statement asserts.