The following statement was issued today by Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I am pleased to rise this afternoon to inform my honourable colleagues of a successful visit to Labrador. Last week I had the honour of presiding in the opening of the new Supreme Courthouse in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and participating in a "Gathering on Labrador Justice, History and Culture" at Northwest River and Sheshatshiu. I was pleased to have been joined by Tom Rideout, Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and MHA John Hickey. I would also like to acknowledge MHA Jack Harris for attending the court opening and gathering.

The new Supreme Courthouse is a result of years of hard work and collaboration of government, courts and aboriginal community in Labrador. The design of the Judicial Centre of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is unique; incorporating concepts which reflect openness to aboriginal traditions, including an aboriginal healing room, and circle motif in the courtroom. The circle healing room will be devoted to the use and application of aboriginal restorative justice techniques. The symbolic design encompasses many concepts, which support the unique cultural aspects of Labrador and the aboriginal culture, and were well received by the aboriginal community.

Participants from the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canadian Bar Association, courts, and aboriginal communities exchanged stories and experiences during the gathering. The discussions were powerful and reflected the unique legal traditions and the challenges of a mixture of cultures and languages, which continue to exist today.

The events last week were positive and a step toward better understanding aboriginal traditions, cultures and people relating to the justice system. The discussions represented a new beginning, an openness to the rich traditions of the aboriginal past and a willingness to include them in a meaningful and practical way in the day-to-day operations of the justice system.

During the trip I also had an opportunity to tour the Labrador Correctional Centre and present certificates recognizing 20 years of service to correctional officers at the facility. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Paul Boland, Toby Bauld, Sam Flanigan, Kevin Stanley, Steve Pye, Donald Hallinghan, Maurice Best, as well as Robert Quigley who was presented with his retirement certificate after 25 years of government service. I would also like to recognize Toby Bauld who received his commission for being promoted to the rank of lieutenant.

2005 04 26                               1:55 p.m.