Minister Marshall meets with his federal counterpart in St. John�s

Newfoundland and Labrador Justice Minister and Attorney General Tom Marshall met with his counterpart federal Justice Minister and Attorney General Vic Toews yesterday while the federal minister was in the province to take part in the 2006 Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Canadian Legal Conference.

�The minister and I picked up where we left off during our spring meeting in Ottawa discussing issues of mutual concern relating to the administration of justice including legal aid, court expansion and recommendations of the Lamer Inquiry Report,� said Minister Marshall. �I once again took the opportunity to impress upon the minister the importance of increased financial support for criminal and civil legal aid.

�The federal bill�s C-9 and C-10 and the impact such changes in the law will have on the Justice system in Newfoundland and Labrador were also discussed. We agreed that departmental officials would work collaboratively to prepare for the implementation of these two pieces of legislation.�

�I truly appreciate Minister Toews taking the time out of his busy schedule to discuss pressing justice issues and look forward to a continued working relationship as we strive to improve access to justice for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,� concluded Minister Marshall.

Photo #1: Newfoundland and Labrador Justice Minister and Attorney General Tom Marshall with his counterpart federal Justice Minister and Attorney General Vic Toews

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

2006 08 15                       3:35 p.m.