News release

Progress on Public Safety Issues

Justice

Justice Minister Michael Baker says he is pleased with progress made at the annual justice ministers' meeting in Ottawa, this week.

"My colleagues have agreed that we must explore possible changes to the Criminal Code and Youth Criminal Justice Act to help make our streets and communities as safe as possible," Mr. Baker said today, Jan. 25. "I was encouraged to see that other provinces also feel that tougher laws would combat motor vehicle theft and that, in some cases, out-of-control youth should be held in custody until their trials and eventual court ruling."

Federal Justice Minister Irwin Cotler praised Mr. Baker for taking a lead role in raising these issues at the national level. Ministers directed a working group of senior justice officials to explore the proposed changes in more detail.

Mr. Baker thanked Mr. Cotler for his commitment to renew negotiations with the provinces regarding the federal contributions to youth justice programs. Agreements expire on March 31.

Nova Scotia also joined the other provinces in calling for a change in the way conditional sentences are used.

"Nova Scotians want to be assured that the courts will only use conditional sentences for less serious crimes," he said. "The federal government can help enhance public confidence in the justice system by paying close attention to the united message coming from the provinces."

Mr. Baker also proposed that criminals who use syringes or knives to threaten victims during a robbery, should face the same minimum prison sentence as those who use guns.

"Criminals regard syringes as weapons. So should the Criminal Code," he said. "From the point of view of the person being threatened, a weapon is a weapon. Police are telling us that criminals are changing their weapon of choice to avoid the minimum four-year sentence. I'm pleased that this is also being referred to a working group for further study."

Nova Scotia also supported the provinces' ongoing call for new long-term federal funding for civil legal aid services and a return to 50-50 cost sharing for criminal legal aids.

"Fair and timely access to justice is a fundamental principle that must be upheld through legal aid," said Mr. Baker. "We will continue to urge the federal government to live up to its responsibilities to fund legal aid so those who cannot afford a lawyer can receive proper representation."