I rise in this Honourable House to inform my colleagues of a youth justice camp in which I participated. The camp, held in Nain, May 2-3, is organized by the Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, and designed to educate youth about the legal system in a style that is fun and innovative.

The Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is a non-profit group dedicated to educating people about the law. This was the first time in the 25-year history of the association that a youth justice camp was held in a coastal Labrador community. It was impressive to see several young people give up a beautiful weekend of coastal Labrador spring weather to attend this important event.

The youth justice camp teaches valuable information about the legal system, fosters an environment to network, advances leadership skills, and is an excellent opportunity for youth to explore new learning experiences. Some notable events that took place during the camp were a visit to the local RCMP detachment and a mock-trial that showcased what young people learned over the course of the weekend. I was pleased to learn that organizers plan to hold more of these camps in isolated Aboriginal communities.

I was honoured to address participants during my visit and I had the opportunity to note some important investments the Williams Government is making as we work to enhance the administration of justice in Labrador. For example, in Budget 2009 we allocated $2 million for the construction of a new pre-trial detention centre for women and youth in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, $206,000 to pilot an Innu Healing Path Program, and $57,300 to make permanent the position of Inuit court clerk in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The proper administration of justice is very important to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and we have made great strides in improving our justice system for people throughout the province. In Labrador, much has been done to address Aboriginal justice issues. This was a message I was pleased to deliver to the young people of Nain who attended the youth justice camp.