Department of Justice

CREATION OF NUNAVUT ONE STEP CLOSER AS NUNAVUT COURT OF JUSTICE BILL RECEIVES ROYAL ASSENT

OTTAWA March 12, 1999 -- Legislation that will establish a single-level trial court in the new territory of Nunavut received Royal Assent yesterday. The Nunavut Court of Justice will begin operating when Nunavut becomes a territory on April 1, 1999.

"The creation of Nunavut acknowledges the need for aboriginal people to take more control over their lives. The Nunavut Court of Justice is an important component in building a firm foundation for the new territory. This new court will respond to the unique needs of Nunavut while maintaining the same rights for Nunavut that are enjoyed by all other Canadians," stated the Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.

The Nunavut Court of Justice will be a single-level trial court. It will therefore handle matters normally dealt with by the territorial and supreme courts. Superior court judges will hear all criminal, family and civil matters. This system is intended to:

The Nunavut Court of Justice was created at the request of, and in partnership with, the people of the North. The Government of Canada worked with the Interim Commissioner, Nunavut Tunngavik, Inc. and the government of the Northwest Territories to design a court structure that takes into account the distinctive geography, demographics, climate, and culture of the eastern Arctic.

The Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, expressed her support for the new court. Minister Stewart said, "This new court, designed in partnership with the people of Nunavut, is another step in building a new territory. It is an example of the Government of Canada's commitment to working in partnership with the Inuit and Northerners to bring government and its related structures to the people of Nunavut."

One judge, Madam Justice Beverly Browne, has already been appointed to the Supreme Court of Nunavut in Iqaluit. Madam Justice Browne will be re-appointed as Senior Judge to the Nunavut Court of Justice when it comes into being on April 1. The two remaining positions will be filled after applications have been reviewed by the newly appointed Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee for Nunavut.

-30-

Ref.:  

Johanne Senécal
Judicial Affairs Advisor
Department of Justice
(613) 992-4621

Andrew Watt
Coordinator, Northern Issues
Department of Justice
(613) 957-4926

Howard Bebbington
Counsel, Criminal Law Policy
Department of Justice
(613) 957-4917

Lynne Boyer
Media Relations
Department of Indian Affairs 
    and Northern Development    
(819) 997-8404