Justice and public safety priorities discussed at federal-provincial-territorial meeting

Press Release

October 14, 2016

HALIFAX (GNB) – Federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for justice and public safety concluded two days of meetings in Halifax today.

The meeting was co-chaired by federal Justice Minister and Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould, federal Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Ralph Goodale and Nova Scotia Justice Minister and Attorney General Diana Whalen.

“I am pleased to have had this opportunity to meet with my federal, provincial and territorial partners to discuss challenges and emerging issues related to the administration of justice and the safety of Canadians,” said Justice and Public Safety Minister Denis Landry. “These meetings have allowed us to review best practices and strengthen our determination to ensure our respective provinces and territories have efficient, equitable justice services and safer neigbourhoods and communities.”

“I truly appreciate the opportunity to meet with my provincial and territorial colleagues again as well as indigenous leaders for an open and frank discussion on the issues that confront us all,” said Wilson-Raybould. “By maintaining strong partnerships we can ensure that our justice system meets the highest standards of equity and fairness, respects the charter, and keeps our communities safe.”

“Once again, I was impressed with the high level of dedication and passion the ministers expressed while discussing key issues affecting public safety in Canada,” said Goodale. “Together, through the sharing of best practices, varying perspectives and innovative thinking, we can make real progress for the benefit of all Canadians.”

An elder welcomed the ministers to traditional Mi’kmaw territory.

The ministers discussed issues including violence against indigenous women and girls and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls; tangible responses to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action; the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the Canadian context; and how best to address overrepresentation of and gaps in services to indigenous peoples throughout the justice system. The ministers also approved the release of a compilation of recommendations from published reports which address violence against indigenous women and girls.

The ministers talked about the importance of continuing to support professional, dedicated and culturally-responsive policing services in indigenous communities. They will continue to collaborate towards a renewed approach for policing in indigenous communities, recognizing the need for adequate and sustainable funding.

A significant point of discussion was the federal government’s ongoing review of the criminal justice system to make it more effective and efficient. The federal ministers provided an overview and update on their discussions to date with stakeholders. The ministers noted the importance of this review to address delays in the completion of criminal cases. They also expressed the need to address issues affecting vulnerable people and indigenous overrepresentation in the criminal justice system.

Provincial and territorial ministers were updated on the implementation of the Office for Community Outreach and Countering Radicalization to Violence and on the federal government’s national security consultation. They reaffirmed their commitment to co-ordinate their efforts to counter radicalization to violence.

The ministers received recommendations on bail, remand, judicial case management, and the need to modernize fingerprinting legislation. Discussions also took place on challenges related to cybercrime and progress made on innovation of the justice system. They agreed to explore ways to improve access to justice for sexual assault complainants and to share best practices and lessons learned.

They discussed the challenges that the justice system faces in appropriately responding to those with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and other neurocognitive disabilities and agreed to publicly release the Final Report of the Steering Committee on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Access to Justice.  They also considered the social and economic impact of alcohol abuse and supported the need for collaboration to identify solutions.

The ministers also agreed to continue to work together to address issues leading up to the legalization of marijuana for non-medical use.

The ministers also met with leaders and representatives from five national indigenous organizations to hear their perspectives on justice and public safety matters and future engagement.

Media Contact(s)

Elaine Bell, communications, Department of Justice and Public Safety, 506-453-8607.
Valérie Gervais, Office of the Minister of Justice (federal), 613-992-4621.
Media Relations, Department of Justice (federal), 613-957-4207.
Scott Bardsley, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (federal), scott.bardsley@canada.ca.
Media Relations Office, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657, media@ps-sp.gc.ca.

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