Today the Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, provided an update on the ongoing work to address the issues being experienced in the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Minister Conway Ottenheimer highlighted the action being taken in collaboration with the provincial court to strengthen access to the justice system with the announcement of a new working group.

This working group will include:

• The Honourable Robin Fowler, Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador
• One other active or retired Provincial Court Judge
• Two Members of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador private bar
• Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Gerrie Smith
• Other senior department officials

The working group will meet before the Holidays with additional meetings to be scheduled early in the new year. Its core purpose will be to analyze the root causes of staffing shortages and systemic pressures within the provincial court system and brief the Minister on actions necessary to address them by mid-February.

Quotes
“Building off a productive meeting with the Chief Judge and Associate Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador this week, actions announced today are a clear indicator of our government’s commitment to improve access to justice and to strengthen the provincial court system. The current challenges do not reflect the commitment of the judiciary and the dedicated professionals in our courts. Going forward, this working group will allow for enhanced communication and collaboration from all partners at the table. While the complexities we face will take time to resolve, I am optimistic about the future.”
Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“Criminal cases before the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador have increased in both volume and complexity in recent years placing an increased strain upon the Court. A strong, functioning and independent Court is important to the maintenance of democracy. I look forward to working with Minister Conway Ottenheimer and the group to identify areas for both immediate improvement as well as continuing collaboration with a view to the Court moving forward at full capacity to ensure access to justice and the safety of the public while at Provincial Courthouses and circuit locations.”
The Honourable Robin Fowler
Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador

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