News release

Minister Receives Federal Commitment to Improve Youth Justice

Justice

Justice Minister Murray Scott is returning from meetings on justice issues with a commitment from the federal government that changes will be made to improve the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Mr. Scott raised the issue at meetings with his federal, provincial, territorial counterparts that wrapped up today, Oct. 13, in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We have received a firm commitment that amendments will be made to strengthen the act," said Mr. Scott. "Federal Justice Minister Vic Toews commended Nova Scotia's strong support for changes to improve the act, a position which was also backed up by several other provinces."

Nova Scotia has been calling for changes that would address the need to deal with a small number of youth who are a risk to themselves and the public. In particular, Mr. Scott is calling for changes that will give the courts options for detaining a youth before trial and for considering deterrence as a reason for keeping a young person in custody.

"We are working on ways to address the root causes of crime, but these efforts must be supported by strong enforcement measures to protect Nova Scotians. Sometimes a young person is best served by the intensive longer term programs available in secure custody," said Mr. Scott.

Mr. Toews also indicated the federal government's interest in reviewing the recommendations contained in the upcoming Nunn Commission report as part of their consideration for future changes to the act.

Two years ago Halifax resident Theresa McEvoy was killed when her car was hit by a young man who had recently been released into the community while waiting for trial. Last year the provincial government called an inquiry into the death of Ms. McEvoy. The inquiry, which is being led by Commissioner Merlin Nunn, is expected to release its report this fall.

"We heard clearly that the federal government intends to amend the act to put deterrence back into our youth criminal justice system," said Mr. Scott. "I'm now looking forward to further discussions with the federal minister on timing and the decision making process for these amendments."