From the April 2 Globe and Mail:

Ontario will relax a rigid clamp of secrecy over cases ranging from sexual offences and extortion to criminal matters involving young offenders, Ontario Attorney-General Chris Bentley said yesterday.

Mr. Bentley said that allowing the media access to files in these cases will enhance public awareness of information that was routinely sealed in courthouses throughout the province.

"An essential part of strengthening the administration of justice is to make sure that it can be as open and transparent as possible," the Attorney-General said in an interview.

He said that in criminal cases involving young offenders, the media will be able to easily learn when and where specific cases are being heard - basic information that has stood as a major impediment to reporting the cases.

Mr. Bentley also said that he will look into relaxing a ministry policy that prevents prosecutors and ministry staff from responding to questions from the media.

While it is imperative that Crowns not be seen as partisan, Mr. Bentley said, loosening the absolute gag they are under could help public understanding of individual cases and the justice system as a whole.