Debates of March 10, 2005 (day 53)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to provide this House with more details about the NWT justice system and in particular how this government works with communities to meet their needs and aspirations.

One of our guiding principles has always been that an effective justice system is one that is accepted by the communities it serves. Community involvement leads to acceptance and a justice system that meets the needs and aspirations of these communities.

The department encourages communities to increase their involvement in the administration of justice through community justice committees and by using local justices of the peace. We also maintain effective management of offenders using the least restrictive measures possible and promote community involvement in offender rehabilitation and reintegration through such programs as wilderness camps, spirituality programs and elder counselling.

Our community justice committees work with elders and community leaders to develop innovative solutions. Over the past three years, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases being diverted to the 30 active community justice committees. In 2001-02, there were 186 cases diverted. This number grew to 250 to 2002-03 and 373 in 2003-04.

These committees make decisions that directly affect residents in their communities. Justice committees are engaged in dealing with a wide variety of cases and have many options for innovative solutions at the community level. They deal with youth and adult cases using a restorative approach to justice. They promote abuse-free and crime-free lifestyles and activities that lead to healthier relationships between individuals and their communities. They may also administer the Fine Options Program, Community Service Order Program and after-care programs.

This next fiscal year, 2005-06, funding will be available to every community in the NWT to hire a part-time justice coordinator. Additional funding will also be available for program delivery. These funds will assist communities in developing a justice system that meets their unique needs and provides them with a safer environment.

Our justices of the peace have seen their roles expanded over the years. We now have 42 JPs in 19 communities and they are being utilized more and more. JPs will play a key role in taking preventative measures to protect victims of family violence under the Protection Against Family Violence Act.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the continued cooperation between communities and the Department of Justice as we develop our NWT justice system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause