April 11, 2013
Ministers Announce Measures to Ensure Justice System Remains Responsive
The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and the Honourable Tom Marshall, QC, Attorney General, today announced measures being taken to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador’s justice system remains responsive. These measures were identified as a result of a meeting of a stakeholder committee established to address concerns regarding recent reductions.
“We listened to the concerns and acted quickly to address the important issues that were raised,” said Minister King. “The input provided by those who participated in the committee was invaluable in helping us develop pragmatic solutions that can be implemented quickly. I thank those who were involved for being open and forthright with their opinions on the justice system in the province.”
Specific information on the measures to be taken can be found in the backgrounder below. Ultimately, more prosecutors, court security and legal aid staff will remain in the system.
The Department of Justice will also be conducting external reviews of the Sheriff’s Office and the Legal Aid system to identify potential efficiencies and ensure that taxpayer funds are being used effectively.
“We continue to invest significantly in the justice system in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Marshall. “The measures we are taking will ensure that our courts continue to deliver services effectively, which has always been our top priority.”
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Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Measures to Support Provincial Justice System
The following positions are being added back to the system:
Public Prosecutions
- Two lawyer vacancies filled in St. John’s
- Funding reinstated for two lawyer positions in St. John’s
- Funding for an additional lawyer position in Happy Valley–Goose Bay
Legal Aid
- Three lawyer vacancies to be filled
- Funding reinstated for two lawyer positions
Sheriff’s Office
- One deputy sheriff to be reinstated in St. John’s
- One deputy sheriff to be reinstated in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
- Deputy sheriff vacancies to be filled
- Casual call in list to be established and funded accordingly
2013 04 11 2:25 p.m.