What We
Do
Our mission is to identify, advocate for and support the exoneration of individuals who have been wrongly convicted, while working to prevent future wrongful convictions through legal education, advocacy and justice reform.
Our History
Innocence Canada grew out of the Justice for Guy Paul Morin Committee, a grass-roots organization that came into existence in support of Guy Paul Morin following his wrongful conviction in the summer of 1992. When Guy Paul Morin was released on bail in February 1993 pending his appeal, this Committee reconstituted itself as the Association in Defense of the Wrongly Convicted having consciously decided to broaden its mandate and to act in defence of all persons who had been wrongly convicted.
Until his death in May 2010, AIDWYC’s Honourary President was the Honourable Gregory T. Evans, the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Province of Ontario and one of the three Commissioners who presided over the “Royal Commission on the Donald Marshall, Jr., Prosecution”. For some ten years ending in September 2004 AIDWYC’s Executive Director was Rubin Hurricane Carter who himself spent 20 years in prison for crimes he did not commit.
In 2016, AIDWYC was under immense financial strain and was preparing to close its doors unless it was able to raise a significant amount of funding. Inspired by the determination of the wrongly convicted, they worked twice as hard, rebranding themselves as Innocence Canada, adopting a new logo of tallies drawn for and by the wrongly convicted, and finally securing core funding for three-years to continue this important work.
Innocence Canada has participated in six public inquiries into wrongful convictions in Canada, acted as intervener in historic cases such as R. v. Hart and R. v. McArthur, and advocated for an Independent Wrongful Conviction Review Commission which was finally passed in 2024 as The David and Joyce Milgaard Law.
How We Fight Wrongful
Convictions
Legal Casework
Review cases to determine if there is a legal path for exoneration, re-examine evidence, investigate new evidence, write 696.1 briefs to seek relief from the Minister of Justice, respond to Criminal Convictions Review Group questions and attend hearings with clients.
Client Support
Support applicants from the moment they reach out for help until their conviction is overturned, and beyond. This involves helping file an application, gathering case materials, explaining what to expect during their case review, and providing social assistance.
Education & Outreach
Educate members of the justice system on how wrongful convictions happen through continuing professional development programs. Provide internal student learning opportunities through partnerships and guest lectures. Increase awareness on wrongful convictions among Canadian public.
Law Reform
Law reform has a long history at Innocence Canada. We have participated in six public inquiries and called for an independent commission to investigate claims of wrongful convictions, which is currently in development with the introduction and passing of The David and Joyce Milgaard Law.
Why It
Matters
A wrongful conviction doesn’t just affect one person—it devastates families, communities, and erodes trust in the justice system. Innocence Canada exists to right these wrongs and create a future where fairness, truth, and justice prevail.
Every exoneration is a step toward a more just system, but true change requires ongoing advocacy, education, and reform. By addressing the root causes of wrongful convictions and pushing for systemic improvements, we strive to ensure that no innocent person is ever punished for a crime they did not commit.
Our lawyers are managing a large caseload
Cases
Active
Waitlist
Lawyers
See how it all started
Join the Fight for Justice
Our work is made possible by The Law Foundation of Ontario and people who believe in justice. Whether through donations, memberships or spreading awareness, your support helps us continue to free the innocent and reform the system.