Provincial Government Continues to Invest in the Safety and Security of Communities

Investments Protect Residents and Ensure Access to the Justice System

With significant investments in 2013, highlighted by the creation of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government continued to make communities safer for families and children while ensuring that the justice system remains accessible to residents.

“Throughout 2013, the Provincial Government has focused on ensuring the well-being of children and families and on the safety and security of communities. We pursued new methods of collaboration within law enforcement services, reviewed how services are delivered, updated important legislation and announced upgrades to infrastructure. This year, we made great strides in preventing and fighting crime in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice

In 2013 the Department of Justice continued to focus on areas that are important to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians including policing and search and rescue. The provincial Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit was made possible with a $1 million investment and is dedicated to strengthening the fight against child exploitation, illegal drugs and organized crime throughout the province. Another significant achievement was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association of Newfoundland and Labrador which augments air search support services in the province.

In addition, new amendments to the Human Rights Act, 2010 will expand the prohibited grounds of discrimination to include gender identity and gender expression. Key infrastructure announcements were also made, including the planning for a new penitentiary. Finally, looking ahead to next year, details of external reviews of the Sheriff’s Office and Legal Aid are expected to be released early in 2014.

More information on Department of Justice accomplishments can be found in the backgrounder below. 

“Over the last eight years, the budget for the Department of Justice has increased by approximately 65 per cent and important investments continued in 2013. We remain committed to making Newfoundland and Labrador one of the safest places in the world in which to live, work and raise a family. I would like to commend all staff for the hard work and the professionalism they exhibit in providing services to the people of the province.”
- Minister King

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• The Department of Justice’s budget has increased from $145 million in 2005-06 to $239 million in 2013.
• To ensure safe communities, since 2004, approximately $920 million has been invested in policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador and more than 140 new police officers have been added.
• Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future allotted $1 million for the creation of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – Newfoundland and Labrador to fight child exploitation, illegal drugs and organized crime.

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Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Department of Justice Initiatives for 2013

Creation of New Provincial Police Unit
Since 2004, approximately $920 million has been invested in policing services and more than 140 frontline police officers have been deployed in the province. Through Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future, the Provincial Government invested $1 million to create the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – Newfoundland and Labrador (CFSEU-NL).

The CFSEU-NL represents a collaborative effort between the RNC and RCMP who also partner with other law enforcement agencies to work on cases. The unit has already yielded positive results having worked on several drug-related cases that led to arrests as well as a child exploitation case which saw 22 people charged.

Signing of Search and Rescue Agreement
A Memorandum of Understanding was reached with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (CASARA). Under the new agreement, the association will provide certified members and aircraft when requested by local police services to assist in air search support for lost or missing persons and also provide certified aircrew and spotters for duties on other aircraft when required. The agreement represents the Provincial Government’s continuous efforts to enhance ground search and rescue capabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Launch of External Reviews
A stakeholder committee was established in April to address concerns regarding budget reductions and measures were identified to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador’s justice system remains strong. As a result of this work, the Department of Justice announced independent, external reviews of Legal Aid and the Sheriff’s Office to identify potential efficiencies and to ensure that taxpayer funds are being used effectively. Details on these reviews are expected to be released early in 2014.

Strengthening of Human Rights Legislation
In November, amendments to the Human Rights Act, 2010 were introduced which further enhances legislation against discrimination in the province. The amendments specifically add gender identity and gender expression to clarify the Human Rights Act, 2010 and acknowledge the challenges that some of society’s most vulnerable members face. This clarification also promotes the inclusion of all members of society and increases discussion around gender-based issues.

Enhancements to Infrastructure
In October, the Provincial Government announced that it will be moving forward with the planning of new penitentiary for Newfoundland and Labrador. A new facility would replace the aging Her Majesty’s Penitentiary while providing the opportunity to enhance rehabilitation services for inmates and ensuring a safer environment for those who work there. A public Request for Proposals has been issued with the successful proponent being asked to develop the functional space requirements and cost estimate for a new facility.

Besides planning for a new penitentiary, the tender for the construction of a new jury room at Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in St. John’s was also awarded in the fall. This second jury room will ensure that those charged with crimes have timely access to the court system and will significantly increase the capacity for jury trials in the province. Renovations are well underway on a new conference room, washrooms and other infrastructure necessary for jurors. The new jury room is expected to be ready early in 2014.

2013 12 30                                        11:15 a.m.