TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation (NALSC) is launching a Gladue report program thanks to funding from Legal Aid Ontario (LAO). The funding will allow NALSC to hire three Gladue report writers, based out of Thunder Bay, Timmins and Sioux Lookout. Gladue reports detail the unique life circumstances of First Nation, Métis and Inuit people charged with offences and offer sentencing recommendations. Courts use these reports to consider alternatives to incarceration, such restorative justice initiatives and other community-based Aboriginal programs.
QUOTES
"The Gladue workers will be instrumental in reducing the number of accused held in pre-trial custody. At the sentencing stage, judges will get the support they need to ensure the legislation which mandates seeking alternatives to incarceration, such as restorative justice, is applied in a meaningful way. In more serious cases, sentences can be tailored to address healing."
Celina Reitberger
Executive Director of Nishnawabe-Aski Legal Services Corporation
"We hope this new investment will help serve Aboriginal clients better. Improving access to Gladue services is an important aspect of Legal Aid Ontario's Aboriginal Justice Strategy."
John McCamus
Legal Aid Ontario Chair
QUICK FACTS
- NALSC improves access to justice for members of Nishnawabe Aski Nation.
- NALSC delivers legal services in a culturally appropriate manner sensitive to the unique values, customs and traditions of NAN communities.
- LAO's Aboriginal Justice Strategy aims to improve service to Aboriginal people.
LEARN MORE
- Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services website.
- Legal Aid Ontario website.
- Public legal information on Aboriginal issues and Gladue services.
SOURCE: Legal Aid Ontario
QUESTIONS: Genevieve Oger, Bilingual Senior Communications Media Relations Officer, Tel: (416) 979-2352 ext. 5208, Mobile : (416) 768-4461, Email: [email protected]
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