North Mentioned Often in Justice Reform Report

North Mentioned Often in Justice Reform Report

Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 15:30

Of the 122 recommendations contained in the final report of the Commission on First Nations and Metis people and Justice Reform, several specifically mention the North.

Commission chair Willie Littlechild says during his visits with the commission to northern Saskatchewan communities, residents often mentioned that certain justice issues couldn’t be treated with a blanket approach, but had to have a specific northern focus.

As an example, one of the commission’s recommendations calls for the development of public awareness materials related to violence specifically suited for the needs of northern residents.

Another recommendation calls for the establishment of an emergency detoxification facility in La Ronge.

As well, the commission recommends that the provincial government, the federal government, court officials and northern representatives find a more satisfying and affordable solution to bringing family law matters to the North.

Littlechild says he’s grateful for the input the commission received from the North and wants to thank northern residents for sharing their experiences with the justice system, which he says were often “heart-wrenching”.