Executive Council
Justice and Public Safety
November 6, 2014
Strengthening the Justice System and Improving Access
Premier Announces Planning Process Begins for New Court Complex in St. John’s
The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that the Provincial Government is moving forward with the planning of a new court complex for St. John’s to serve the Northeast Avalon Peninsula. A Request for Proposals for companies interested in completing the initial planning stage of the project will be issued in the coming weeks. Premier Davis was joined at the announcement by the Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General.
“There are challenges associated with our court facilities and offices in St. John’s, many of which are housed in older or inadequate structures. By starting the process towards a new court complex, we are listening to those who provide critical justice services and further demonstrating our commitment to a strong justice system in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Currently, the Supreme Court, Provincial Court and various divisions of the Department of Justice and Public Safety are spread across the St. John’s region. The intent is to construct a modern complex that can house the Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court, including the Family Division, and the Provincial Court on a single site. In addition to improving services to those availing of the courts, a new court complex will also lead to strengthened security measures and improved collaboration between those who are working in the justice system.
“A new court complex for the region would have a positive impact as different services can be located very close to one another. It would be more efficient and effective for staff, lead to a stronger court security program and of course improve access to justice for all residents.”
- The Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General
Beginning the planning for a new court complex in St. John’s is just the latest infrastructure announcement for the Department of Justice and Public Safety. In April, planning was announced for a new Provincial Courthouse in Stephenville and the first related contract was awarded on November 5. The initial design phase is also well underway for a new correctional facility to replace Her Majesty’s Penitentiary.
QUICK FACTS
- A Request for Proposals will be issued in the coming weeks for companies interested in bidding on the initial planning stage of the new court complex.
- Court facilities in St. John’s are currently housed in four separate buildings, two of which are more than 100 years old.
- Other justice services are also spread throughout St. John’s including the Office of Public Prosecutions, the Sheriff’s Office, Community Corrections, Family Justice Services and Victims’ Services.
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Media contacts:
|
Heather MacLean Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3581 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Donna Ivey Special Assistant, Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3551 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
| Luke Joyce Director of Communications Department of Justice and Public Safety 709-729-6985, 725-4165 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca |
2014 11 06 2:15 p.m.