Province Responds To Justice Reform Commission

Province Responds To Justice Reform Commission

Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 15:27

 

 

The province says it will implement most of the recommendations from the Commission on First Nations and Metis Peoples and Justice Reform.

 

The Commission’s final report was released last June and had over 100 recommendations on how to improve the justice system for Aboriginal people.

 

The provincial government’s action plan was unveiled this morning with an emphasis on dealing with the underlying causes of crime, including improving access to education and housing.

 

The government also says an Aboriginal Provincial Court Party will be established in Meadow Lake, with a full-time translator to travel to communities in northwest Saskatchewan.

 

As well, Cree and Dene speaking Justices of the Peace will be appointed in two northern communities.

 

There are also plans to expand victims’ services programs to serve Stony Rapids and Black Lake.

 

Saskatchewan Justice will also develop a community safety plan for dealing with family and interpersonal violence in at least one northern community.

 

The government says it will spend over $48 million this year alone in acting on the recommendations from the commission’s report.