The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety:

Mr. Speaker, this government is making it easier for Indigenous students from this province to have a career in law.

Through a new agreement with the University of Saskatchewan, two seats will be reserved annually in its College of Law program for Indigenous students from Newfoundland and Labrador. Upon graduation, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will allocate and fund two articling positions within the Department of Justice and Public Safety. Indigenous governments and organizations will encourage students to apply to law school and fund or identify funding for educational expenses.

Mr. Speaker, the trilateral partnership between this government, the University of Saskatchewan and Indigenous governments and organizations will improve access to legal education and create new employment opportunities.

Our province is only the second jurisdiction in the country to partner with the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan. It is expected that the first two Indigenous students from Newfoundland and Labrador will enter the program in the fall of 2019.

Mr. Speaker, I want to take the opportunity today, to encourage Indigenous students from this province to consider a career in law, a profession where they are typically underrepresented. Individuals have until February 1 to apply. It is through this partnership that we all hope to improve Indigenous representation in the legal system in Newfoundland and Labrador and ensure better access to justice for everyone.

Thank you.