NB 1261
Oct. 13, 2006
FREDERICTON (CNB) - New Brunswick ministers for justice and public safety delivered a strong message about the need for increased federal funding to ensure that all New Brunswickers have access to the justice system, at recent federal, provincial and territorial meetings.
Justice and Consumer Affairs Minister and Attorney General T. J. Burke, and Public Safety Minister John Foran, attended their first meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Justice this week in Humber Valley, Newfoundland and Labrador.
"It is critical that the federal government provide increased funding for criminal legal aid, and start to contribute to domestic legal aid. This is a matter of access to justice," Burke said. "Every province and territory agrees, and we delivered that message to the federal ministers. Now it is up to the federal ministers to deliver on what is needed."
Other key issues on the agenda included criminal law reform proposals concerning drugs, organized crime, dangerous offenders, and tougher sentences and the need for additional federal investments in the justice system.
"We made it clear to our federal colleagues that their 'getting tougher on crime' initiatives will impose significant costs on our province, particularly on our already stressed correctional institutions," Foran said.
Provinces and territories also requested more consultation, collaboration and federal investment to deal with the impact of some sentencing reforms.
The Public Safety Minister also indicated that he wants to work with the federal government to ensure that its commitment to put 2,500 more police officers in communities will help address New Brunswick priorities such as its fight against organized crime and illegal drugs.
"I was also pleased to use this early opportunity to discuss with my colleagues throughout the country and the federal government how we can partner to take action against organized crime and the drug trade," Foran said. "Many of New Brunswick's concerns are shared by other provinces and territories, and I am confident that our voice was heard by the federal ministers."
"We are cautiously optimistic that these meetings will result in concrete action," Burke said, "and we will be sure to follow up in the weeks ahead and to maintain an ongoing dialogue."
06/10/13
MEDIA CONTACTS: Valerie Kilfoil, communications, Justice and Consumer Affairs and Office of the Attorney General, 506-454-6543; Patricia Hyland, communications, Public Safety, 506-444-5267.
06/10/13