Western Ministers discuss key justice and policing issues

Alberta hosts western ministers responsible for justice and public safety

BANFF, AB, Oct. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Ministers responsible for justice and public safety from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba met in Banff today for discussions about a broad range of issues that included organized crime and access to justice.

"In the spirit of collaboration, I thank my ministerial colleagues for their continued willingness to work together to improve access to justice and promote the safety of our communities."
- Jonathan Denis, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General

The four western provinces have a keen interest in working with the federal government in resolving the following concerns:

• legal aid;
• RCMP costs;
• First Nations policing;
• drug treatment courts; and
• costs associated with passage of federal legislation.

Access to justice also remains a priority for the governments of the four western provinces. Sharing information on initiatives that improve efficiencies and service delivery is of great value, such as traffic court reform. In particular, there is the need to improve traffic safety while also developing a faster, more proportionate, sustainable system to ensure the timely resolution of criminal, family and civil law matters.

The provinces remain committed to continuing to work together to further advance their justice systems and respond to ever-increasing pressures.

The meeting of western ministers kicks off the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Justice and Public Safety in Banff on October 16 and 17.

SOURCE: Alberta Public Affairs Bureau

Media inquiries: Jessica Jacobs-Mino, [email protected], 780-935-8570, Press Secretary, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, Government of Alberta