Justice
April 14, 2014
Enhancing Access to Justice for Communities and Residents
Premier Announces Planning for a New Stephenville Courthouse
The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that planning will soon begin for the construction of a new provincial courthouse for Stephenville. Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes funding for a Request for Proposals for the initial planning stage of a new facility that would significantly enhance court services on the southwest coast and ensure that local residents have better access to justice.
“Court facilities have changed significantly since the courthouse in Stephenville moved to its current location in 1970. A modern building will provide better space to allow for staff to work more efficiently and effectively. A new courthouse will also strengthen security and improve access for those with mobility issues. This is just the latest investment in the province’s justice system that is aimed at enhancing access for those requiring the services of Provincial Court.”
- The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Provincial Courthouse in Stephenville is housed on the second floor of a building that was originally used as a military barracks.
“We continue to invest significantly in the justice system in Newfoundland and Labrador. Since 2004, the budget for the Department of Justice has increased by more than 65 per cent and today’s announcement is just the latest initiative aimed at improving court infrastructure in the province. The project, combined with recently announced improvements to the Sheriff’s Office, will make Provincial Court more secure and accessible to residents of the southwest coast.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice
A Request for Proposals will be issued to develop functional space requirements and a cost estimate for the new facility.
“This is welcomed news for the people of the southwest coast who have required, or will someday require, the use of our justice system. Not only will a new building provide accessibility, but a safe and functional environment for staff and the general public. I look forward to the final result of this great investment.”
- The Honourable Joan Shea, Minister of Environment and Conservation and MHA for St. George’s - Stephenville East
Provincial Court in Stephenville is a busy court with more than 12,000 total appearances in 2013-14.
“This is great news for the region. Starting the planning process for a new courthouse speaks directly to the Provincial Government's commitment to a strong justice system in Newfoundland and Labrador. A new facility will provide fair and secure access to all residents.”
- Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port
This is just the latest investment by the Provincial Government in court infrastructure. Since 2005 new courthouses have been constructed in Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Most recently, in St. John’s, a new jury room was added so two jury trials could be held at the same time.
QUICK FACTS
- Premier Tom Marshall announced today that the Provincial Government is issuing a Request for Proposals for companies interested in developing the functional space requirements and cost estimate for a new provincial courthouse for Stephenville.
- The current Provincial Court in Stephenville has been located on the second floor of a former military barracks since 1970.
- Provincial Court in Stephenville is a busy one with more than 12,000 appearances in 2013-14
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Milly Brown Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 millybrown@gov.nl.ca |
Tracey Boland Press Secretary Office of the Premier 709-729-4304, 697-3128 traceyboland@gov.nl.ca |
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Luke Joyce Director of Communications Department of Justice 709-729-6985, 725-4165 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca |
Janine Carter Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Joan Shea MHA for St. George’s - Stephenville East 709-643-8663 janinecarter@gov.nl.ca |
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Linda Walsh Government Members Communications 709-729-0898 lindajwalsh@gov.nl.ca |
2014 04 14 10:45 a.m.