Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Discuss
Key Justice and Public Safety Issues Facing Canadians
CHARLOTTETOWN – Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) ministers responsible for justice and public safety concluded their meeting last week, after in-depth discussions on key justice and public safety issues currently facing Canadians.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., the Minister of Public Safety, Vic Toews, P.C., Q.C., and the Minister of Environment, Labour and Justice and Attorney General of Prince Edward Island, Janice Sherry.
Violence Against Aboriginal Women and Girls
In July 2011 at a meeting of the Council of the Federation, provincial and
territorial ministers were asked to consider the root causes of violence
against Aboriginal women and girls. Ministers discussed the ongoing work to
address the serious issue of violence against Aboriginal women and girls,
and invited the federal government to be part of this work and further
discussed linkages with other sectors. They agreed to continue to
collaborate and develop a common approach.
Missing Women Working Group Final Report
Ministers recognized the progress in examining issues related to the serious
concerns surrounding murdered and missing women. They supported the release
of the Missing Women Working Group’s final report and noted that some
recommendations have already been implemented. Ministers asked the working
group to bring forward an implementation plan and reiterated their
commitment to continue to coordinate their efforts on this important issue.
The report is available at www.scics.gc.ca.
Child Pornography and Investigative Complexities
All ministers agreed on the need to enhance and modernize the investigative
capability of law enforcement. This is particularly important when dealing
with online child exploitation offences and child pornography cases.
Provincial and territorial ministers urged the federal government to move
forward on enacting previously introduced legislation, specifically former
Bill C-52 (Investigating and Preventing Criminal Electronic Communications
Act), former Bill C-51 (Investigative Powers for the 21st Century Act) and
former Bill C-50 (Improving Access to Investigative Tools for Serious Crimes
Act). The federal government was also asked to consider increasing the
current 21 day data preservation periods for foreign requests to at least 90
days to help law enforcement deal with complex child pornography cases. The
federal government welcomed the support of provinces and territories and
noted its intention to reintroduce the bills soon.
Proposed Amendments to the Criminal Code
Ministers discussed amending the Criminal Code to address issues such as
home invasion, car-jacking, and the unlawful use of body armour or fortified
vehicles or buildings and mandatory minimum penalties for pre-meditated
knife crimes. One jurisdiction raised concerns about mandatory minimum
penalties. Ministers agreed that these matters should be referred to senior
officials for their consideration and to provide recommendations back to
Ministers. Ministers also received a status report on the ongoing work to
update the corruption provisions of the Criminal Code.
Mental Health and Justice
Ministers acknowledged that mental health issues present significant
challenges for the justice system. Ministers highlighted the success of the
May 2011 Mental Health and Justice Symposium in Alberta and discussed the
Symposium’s recommendations. Ministers asked senior officials to further
engage their health and social service counterparts in reviewing the
recommendations and developing a work plan with the view of more effectively
managing this at-risk population.
Drug Treatment Court
Ministers acknowledged the value and importance of coordinated federal,
provincial and territorial funding for drug treatment courts as an
alternative model for drug addicted offenders within the criminal justice
system. Provincial and territorial ministers urged continued federal funding
for the existing drug treatment courts. There was also a request to consider
expanding the program for such courts and other therapeutic courts. The
federal Minister of Justice indicated that he would take these concerns
under advisement.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Access to Justice
Ministers agreed that the response of the justice system to those with FASD
continues to be a priority and noted the importance of prevention. Ministers
directed FPT officials to continue to work together to explore how to best
respond to individuals with FASD.
Northern and Remote Justice
Ministers noted the challenges and opportunities faced by the territories
and most provinces related to the administration of justice in northern and
remote regions. Ministers directed senior officials to continue their joint
efforts in raising the profile and responding to these issues. A conference
on northern and remote policing will be held in the fall of 2012 in the
Yukon.
National Police Services
Ministers discussed the importance of the RCMP National Police Services
which provides specialized investigational support services to more than 500
law enforcement and criminal justice agencies across Canada. Ministers
endorsed the establishment of a National Police Services Advisory Committee
that will include representation from the provinces, territories and the
RCMP. The Advisory Committee will be co-chaired by a provincial or
territorial representative.
Economics of Policing
Ministers discussed the challenges of the escalating costs of policing and
the work underway to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Ministers
supported enhanced information sharing among jurisdictions on best practices
and stressed the importance of collaboration among all law enforcement
partners to fight the root causes of crime. All ministers expressed support
for a National Summit on the Economics of Policing in fall 2012.
Police Officers Recruitment Fund
Ministers discussed the effectiveness of the Police Officers Recruitment
Fund, which has assisted provinces and territories in increasing police
resources for community safety and combatting organized crime. Provincial
and territorial ministers expressed their desire for the fund to be extended
past March 31, 2013 on a permanent basis. The federal Minister of Public
Safety indicated that the government had delivered on its five year funding
commitment but agreed to bring this forward for government consideration.
First Nations Policing Program
Ministers discussed the First Nations Policing Program, recognizing its
importance in addressing challenges to public safety in First Nation and
Inuit communities. Provincial and territorial ministers underlined the
importance and effectiveness of the Program. They emphasized the need for
sustainability and for expanding the program including to the North. The
federal government acknowledged the importance of this program in Aboriginal
communities and agreed to work with all jurisdictions on this matter
recognizing the current environment of fiscal restraint.
RCMP Referral to Victims Services
All ministers agreed on the importance of providing victims of crime with
information and quick access to victim services. Provincial and territorial
ministers asked the federal government to consider regulatory reform to
ensure that the RCMP can share victim information with provincial and
territorial victim services. Ministers look forward to receiving
recommendations from senior officials on a long-term sustainable solution
for the issue.
Federal Legislative Reform Items
Ministers discussed the implementation of Bill C-10 and acknowledged that
many of the reforms in Bill C-10 have been the subject of previous
discussions over the past several years, in which several jurisdictions have
expressed support for these reforms. One jurisdiction expressed its concern
with two provisions concerning youth justice and some provinces and
territories voiced the importance of prevention in conjunction with
enforcement and sentencing measures. In addition, provincial and territorial
ministers noted that their concerns focus primarily on the elements of C-10
which may result in additional pressures on the justice system, including
the need for increased funding. The provinces and territories presented a
resolution in regards to collaboration and consultation. Provincial and
territorial ministers expressed concerns with respect to notification of
proclamation dates and requested that the federal government improve their
protocols for notifying the provinces and territories in a timely manner of
the coming into force of legislation. Federal ministers agreed on the need
for continued collaborative dialogue in managing the shared FPT
responsibility in criminal justice. Federal Ministers stated that the views
of the provinces and territories will be considered regarding the coming
into force of amendments included in Bill C-10 and that a staggered
implementation of amendments to the Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice
Act and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act within a reasonable time
will facilitate preparation for implementation for all jurisdictions.
Long-Gun Registry Data
Quebec reiterated its previous request to transfer to the province all
non-restricted firearms registry records related to its residents. Support
for this request was expressed by some jurisdictions.
Legal Aid
Ministers affirmed their commitment to a responsive, fair, efficient and
accessible justice system which includes access to legal aid and referenced
the common statement of principles approved in October 2010. Provincial and
territorial ministers asked the federal Minister of Justice for continued
and enhanced federal funding support for criminal legal aid to address the
continued pressures faced by all legal aid programs. They asked for early
confirmation of the level of federal funding given that existing agreements
expire at the end of March 2012. Provincial and territorial ministers also
noted the need for renewed and enhanced funding for immigration and refugee
legal aid for those jurisdictions offering such services.
Trafficking in Persons
The Government of Canada presented an overview of its draft National Action
Plan to Combat Trafficking in Persons and invited input from the Provinces
and Territories. The federal government will regularly report on its
progress.
Family Property and Bankruptcy and the Divorce Law
Provincial and territorial ministers identified the need to amend the
Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act to ensure persons who declare bankruptcy are
not relieved of obligations under provincial marital property legislation.
The Federal Justice Minister agreed to raise the issue with his federal
colleagues. The federal Minister of Justice acknowledged a request for
amendments to section 25.1 of the Divorce Act and took the request under
advisement.
Justice System Reform, Prevention and Rehabilitation
In discussing priorities for their work moving forward, Ministers identified
the need to collaborate in achieving justice system reform. Ministers
acknowledged the importance of substantive law reform, but also acknowledged
the need to identify process reforms that will improve efficiency and
increase system capacity. There was also discussion of increasing court
capacity by moving non-criminal matters out of the courts, to increase
capacity of the system to address more serious offences. Ministers also
discussed the importance of prevention as an effective means to reduce crime
and thus victimization. Ministers requested senior officials to establish
two committees – one on prevention and rehabilitation and the other on
access to justice and justice system reform.
Ministers also discussed the Canada–U.S. Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness Action Plan, countering violent extremism and random breath testing.
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Media contacts:
Julie Di Mambro Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Justice 613-992-4621 |
Julie Carmichael Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Public Safety 613-991-2865 |
Media Relations Office Department of Justice 613-957-4207 |
Media Relations Office Public Safety Canada 613-991-0657 |
Vanessa Colman-Sadd Director of Communications Department of Justice 709-729-6985, 682-6593 vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca |
2012 01 27 4:20 p.m.