Minister Marshall concludes productive meetings with counterparts

Justice Minister and Attorney General Tom Marshall said today his inaugural meetings with federal Public Protection Minister Stockwell Day and federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General Vic Toews held earlier this week were very positive. Minister Marshall says he looks forward to working with both federal ministers to overcome challenges facing the delivery of justice services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"These meetings were scheduled to ensure both ministers are aware of the challenges facing the justice system in Newfoundland and Labrador, to identify areas that require federal support and to forge a solid working relationship," said Minister Marshall. "Both ministers were very welcoming and eager to get to work to improve justice services in the province and I am confident we accomplished goals set for these meetings."

Minister Marshall said an increase in police officers and enhancements to correctional facilities throughout the province held the focus of his meeting with Minister Stockwell Day. "I informed the minister of the significant investments the provincial government has made to improve policing in the province, but suggested more officers were needed," Minister Marshall continued, "Minister Day confirmed that policing is a priority for the federal government and committed to having his officials work with provincial officials to identify how Ottawa may contribute."

Minister Marshall also raised concerns about the effects of an increased police presence and tougher sentencing laws will have on our correctional facilities. "Once you alter one end of justice system it will affect other areas of justice and the focus on more officers, restrictions on conditional sentencing and mandatory minimums may result in pressure on our correctional facilities, especially Her Majesty�s Penitentiary," said Minister Marshall. "Minister Day acknowledged this concern and committed to working with the province to identify options to overcome challenges facing Her Majesty�s Penitentiary and other institutions throughout the province".

Increased federal funding for legal aid and federal assistance to expand the Unified Family Court throughout the province was the focus of the meeting with Justice Minister Vic Toews. "Newfoundland and Labrador is among the leaders in the country in provincial legal aid funding, however, it is not enough, and I suggested to the federal minister that increased federal funding is required for both civil and criminal legal aid." Minister Marshall added, "I also indicated federal government support is required to further our plan to bring the therapeutic and holistic approaches of the Unified Family Court to all areas of the province."

"Minister Toews committed to exploring options for increased federal support and both federal and provincial officials were tasked to facilitate an exchange of information. Minister Toews was a provincial attorney general in Manitoba and clearly understands the challenges facing access to justice, especially in rural areas."

"These meetings were indeed productive and I look forward to a continued working relationship with my federal colleagues to improve justice services for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador." Minister Marshall invited both ministers to travel to Newfoundland and Labrador to view the delivery of justice services in the province and both expressed great interest.

Media contact: Billy Hickey, Communications (709) 729-6985, 691-6390

2006 05 17                                     2:05 p.m.