News release

Justice Minister Baker Pushes Nova Scotia Agenda

Justice

A federal government promise to create a National Sex Offender Registry has been welcomed by Nova Scotia Justice Minister Michael Baker.

At a meeting of federal, provincial and territorial justice ministers in Moncton, N.B., it was confirmed that federal legislation requiring mandatory registration will be brought forward as soon as possible.

It was also announced that the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) will be upgraded by November of this year.

"We always felt a national registry was necessary in order to be truly effective," said Mr. Baker. "We're glad the federal government has listened."

The minister also addressed abolishing intermittent sentences, creating separate offences for home invasion and the Youth Justice Act.

"Weekend sentences are wasting tax dollars and compromising the safety and security of our institutions," said Mr. Baker.

Mr. Baker continues to question why the federal government refuses to create a separate offence for home invasions.

"The federal government will continue to study the issue. That's not good enough," said Mr. Baker. "My colleagues and I will continue to raise the issue -- as we have done here -- until we get results."

While the minister welcomed the federal decision to allow one year for the implementation of the Youth Justice Act, he questioned the level of resources available.

"We need time to properly implement the act," said Mr. Baker. "We also need more resources and that issue is far from settled."