An article published by yorkregion.com in April 2018 changed Patrick Fleming and his pursuit of juror reform, Fleming said Tuesday (Dec. 18).

He believes this article  along with his and other former jurors’ advocacy work, has led to societal and attitudinal change.

 “I feel that employers will have more compassion and understanding for employees who are called upon to serve their civic duty,” Fleming said. “Employers should now realize that being a juror is not a “holiday” from work.

The Richmond Hill resident was a juror in the trial of Jennifer Pan, a young Markham woman who was convicted of killing her mother and attempting to murder her father. Following the trial, Fleming and a group of ex-jurors fought for more mental-health supports as well as other improvements.

In the April 3 yorkregion.com article, he detailed his struggle during the trial and after it ended.

 “This experience made me feel alone,” he said in the article. “I felt isolated although I was surrounded by my loved ones. I pulled away from my wife, my family, and my friends during and after this trial.”

Fleming and another juror advocate Mark Farrant wanted the federal government to standardize a jury-support program nationwide.

Following their advocacy and the publication of the April 3 article, the justice committee of Canada released recommendations in a May report, called Improving Support for Jurors in Canada. Recommendations included offering psychological support.

The article made Fleming aware of how much support he has.

“My family and friends are proud of me for my strength, determination, purpose and overall caring of others that was very evident in my experiences of being a juror and advocate for jurors.”

Fleming continues to stay in contact with Members of Parliament, hoping to further influence change.

“The article changed my life for the better. It gave me the platform to express what a juror in a high profile case emotionally goes through. The article got the word out about the advocacy for Juror Reform and what changes are needed to protect jurors both emotionally and physically during and after a trial.”