The Provincial Government is making progress to
improve the justice system and ensure appropriate levels of service for
every Newfoundlander and Labradorian who must avail of the justice
process, particularly in Labrador.
The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Justice and
Attorney General, the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister Responsible for
the Status of Women, and the Honourable Patty Pottle, Minister of
Aboriginal Affairs, responded today to a report released earlier this
week by the Purple Heart Campaign, a project of the Mokami Status of
Women�s Council that is monitoring how women are treated by the justice
system.
"I commend members of the Purple Heart Campaign for
their commitment to the justice system of Labrador, and in particular
the administration of justice for women in Labrador," said Minister
Kennedy. "Their concerns are obviously heartfelt as evident in their
report and I thank them for providing me with a copy for consideration."
Minister Kennedy pointed out that the majority of the
recommendations of the group are already being considered by the
Department of Justice while some others have seen significant progress.
On several issues, groups such as the Mokami Status of Women Council
have helped inform the department�s plans and responses.
"The Purple Heart Campaign is an important piece of
work by the women�s community that will be used by this government in
our work to ensure sensitivity and understanding of family violence
issues throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Burke.
"Officials from the Women�s Policy Office and the Department of Justice
recently met with the Mokami Status of Women�s Council and attended the
launch for the campaign. Both offices intend to continue to work with
women�s groups throughout the province to ensure that justice
professionals are fully aware of the family violence and sexual assault
issues that exist."
"Aboriginal women face unique challenges when dealing
with the justice system," said Minister Pottle. "I am encouraged by the
Mokami Status of Women�s Council�s dedication and with the willingness
of the Provincial Government to work with Aboriginal women."
Minister Kennedy indicated action has already been
taken to enhance justice services in Labrador by the Williams
Government. The appointment of a new Provincial Court Judge has
re-established the Wabush Provincial Court and will help alleviate
caseloads and ensure timely access to court proceedings throughout
Labrador as the judge may travel throughout the region.
The province has also partnered with numerous
institutions in the province, such as Memorial University, the
College of the North Atlantic, and the Public Legal Information
Association to develop interpreting resources and programs that enhance
access to courtroom services in Inuktitut and Innuaimun for
Aboriginal peoples in Labrador.
In Budget 2007, the Provincial Government provided
$211,000 for an expansion of Family Justice Services in Labrador and
increased funding to all eight Status of Women�s Centres to $100,000
annually. Furthermore, $70,000 was committed for a community justice
forum coordinator for the RCMP in Labrador; $40,000 in funding for an
Aboriginal justice conference in Labrador to enhance staff understanding
and sensitivity; $40,000 was committed to increase Legal Aid�s community
support workers in coastal communities; and, enhancements in court
security through the Sheriff�s Office were also provided.
"In order to ensure sensitivity and understanding of
family violence issues throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, Crown
prosecutors have received training in this matter and will also
participate in meetings with women�s groups throughout the province to
deliver information and education sessions regarding family
violence and sexual assault laws," said Minister Kennedy. "Our
government will continue to work with such groups as the Mokami Status
of Women�s Council to ensure we have an effective and responsive justice
system."
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