Progress Made on Priorities for Justice and Public Safety

Press Release

December 23, 2016

A Safer Province through a Strong Justice System

The Provincial Government saw significant progress in 2016 related to addressing priorities for justice in the province and the advancement of initiatives focused on public safety.

“Initiatives in 2016 that led to a stronger justice system and a safer province were achieved through working closely with people within the department as well as those in the community that have similar goals. Through significant new legislation and initiatives, we have made the justice system more effective and efficient. I look forward to further collaborating with our partners in the justice and public safety community in 2017 on many important issues.”
– The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

In 2016, the Department of Justice and Public Safety introduced significant legislation that helps to support the justice system and the safety of residents. This included amendments to the Judicature Act which allows for an increase to the judicial complement in the province while strengthening the court system, and implementation of the Access to Abortion Services Act, which ensures safe access to abortion services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

There was also a historic development federally when Justice Malcolm Rowe was appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, representing the first time someone from Newfoundland and Labrador was named to our country’s highest court.

In addition, work has begun on several initiatives that will continue into 2017. A feasibility study is nearing completion into the establishment of a Drug Treatment Court in the province and consultations for a Sexual Assault Response Pilot Program are coming in the New Year. Research is ongoing into the establishment of a Serious Incident Response Team for the province with legislation expected in 2017. As well, the concept of restorative justice in the province will continue to be explored. The Provincial Government has also joined with the Government of Canada as well as other provinces and territories in establishing the Commission of Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

“Over the past year, I have made it a priority to meet and speak with as many people as possible who are working throughout our justice system – not just within the department, but in the Courts, in corrections, in victim services, in Fish and Wildlife Enforcement and in our policing agencies. It was important for me to learn more about the success, challenges and opportunities related to the justice system across the province. The opportunity to talk to the people on the frontline and visit their place of work gave me a better understanding of what employees are dealing with on a day-to-day basis and I look forward to continuing these visits in 2017.”
– Minister Parsons

Conducting consultations for a Sexual Assault Response Pilot Program advances one of more than 50 initiatives included in The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. The vision guides Provincial Government actions to achieve greater efficiency, strengthen the province’s economic foundation, enhance services, and improve outcomes to promote a healthy and prosperous province.

More information on Department of Justice and Public Safety work in 2016 can be found in the backgrounder below.

QUICK FACTS

In 2016, there was significant progress in addressing priorities for justice in the province and the advancement of initiatives focused on public safety.
The Department of Justice and Public Safety introduced significant legislation including amendments to the Judicature Act and implementation of the Access to Abortion Services Act.
Work has begun on several initiatives including a feasibility study into the establishment of a Drug Treatment Court, consultations for a Sexual Assault Pilot Program and the establishment of a Serious Incident Response Team for the province.

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Media contact:
Lesley Clarke
Director of Communications (A)
Department of Justice and Public Safety
709-729-6985, 699-2910
LesleyClarke@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Department of Justice and Public Safety Initiatives for 2016

Enacted the Access to Abortion Services Act
The Access to Abortion Services Act will ensure abortion services are provided in a secure, respectful and private environment. The act allows for the creation of safe access zones around health care facilities and the homes of health professionals and clinic owners providing abortion services in the province. The access zones will be up to a maximum of 50 metres around facilities, fixed at 160 metres around doctors’ residences and 10 metres around doctors’ offices. The Access to Abortion Services Regulations ensure that an access zone is established for the residence of every staff member of the Athena Health Centre and that the zone includes the land on which the residence is located and an area that extends out 160 metres from the boundaries of that land.

Amendments to the Judicature Act
Amendments to the Judicature Act were introduced to bring about three changes. The amendments allow for:

An increase in the number of judges in the Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court, Trial Division;
The creation of the position of Associate Chief Justice for that court; and
Clarification of the section which sets out the judicial boundaries of the Supreme Court Family Division.

These amendments are aimed at ensuring the courts are more efficient and effective for those dealing with legal matters.

Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
The Provincial Government has joined with the Government of Canada as well as other provinces and territories in establishing the Commission of Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. It has been established in this province under the Public Inquiries Act, 2006. The intention is to ensure the commission can review areas of provincial and territorial jurisdiction and also ensure that this will be a truly national inquiry. The Provincial Government engaged provincial Aboriginal governments and organizations to determine their views on the objectives of the Commission of Inquiry and to inform our government’s participation and support.

Inquiry into the Death of Donald Dunphy
The Honourable Justice Leo Barry of the Court of Appeal was appointed as commissioner for a Commission of Inquiry respecting the death of Mr. Donald Dunphy in accordance with Part 1 of the Public Inquiries Act, 2006. The Commission of Inquiry will inquire as to the facts and circumstances regarding the death of Mr. Dunphy. In addition to the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry, the history and treatment of Mr. Dunphy’s case with Workplace NL was referred to the Office of the Citizens’ Representative for investigation. Justice Barry will deliver a final report to the Minister of Justice and Public Safety before July 1, 2017.

External Review into the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
Budget 2016 allocated $100,000 for a review of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). The review is being conducted by Dr. Matthew Bowes and is looking at the OCME’s infrastructure, resources, policies and procedures, and will provide recommendations to ensure the office is operating effectively.

Feasibility of a Drug Treatment Court
A feasibility study is nearing completion into the establishment of a Drug Treatment Court in Newfoundland and Labrador. The study is being conducted through a funding agreement of $30,000 between the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador under the Drug Treatment Court Funding Program. This court is intended for offenders with serious drug addictions, who commit non-violent, drug-motivated offenses. The study will determine if a Drug Treatment Court is something that the province would be able to sustain and will also look at the potential for partnerships.

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