News release

Justice Minister Encouraged by Federal Talks

Justice

Nova Scotia's Justice minister is looking forward to public safety improvements in Nova Scotia following meetings in Ottawa.

Justice Minister Murray Scott met with federal Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day and Justice Minister Vic Towes on Monday, May 1, to discuss Nova Scotia's priorities for improving public safety and security.

"Our justice system is a shared responsibility and these meetings were an important step in developing a new partnership to fight crime in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Scott. "We are committed to tackling this serious issue and I applaud the federal focus on addressing crime."

A key issue raised during the meetings was Nova Scotia's continued call for changes to the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

"It is critical that judges have the discretion to hold a youth in pre-trial detention and also have more sentencing options when young people are behaving in ways that threaten themselves or others," said Mr. Scott. "It's clear from our discussions that there is now federal recognition that change is needed, and they have asked for our specific ideas for improvements."

The ministers also discussed anticipated federal funding for additional municipal police and RCMP officers.

"As a province, we have made significant investments in policing, but it's clear that we need federal co-operation to put even more officers on the street. This is a priority for the province and Nova Scotia municipalities," said Mr. Scott. "There is now acknowledgment at the federal level that Nova Scotia has unique policing needs, and I will be strongly urging the federal government to consider our input into how any new federal dollars will result in additional officers for Nova Scotia."

Mr. Scott said Nova Scotia has played a lead role in calling for greater provincial involvement in federal policies and laws that influence our province.

"I am very encouraged by the response from these ministers and am confident we share a common goal of reducing crime and making our communities safe."