Minister Meets with Federal Counterpart on Nunn Recommendations

Justice Minister Murray Scott is optimistic that there will be changes to the Youth Criminal Justice Act after meeting with Federal Justice Minister Vic Toews in Ottawa today, Dec. 11.

"The Nunn Commission report urges the province to continue advocating for improvements to the act to protect the public and better serve young people, but only the federal government can make these changes," said Mr. Scott.

"Mr. Toews indicated the federal government is working on draft legislation that will take into consideration Commissioner Nunn's recommendations, and I was impressed by his knowledge of the report."

Six of the 34 recommendations in the report relate to changes to the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Among the recommendations are amending the act to include protection of the public as a goal of the act; amending the definition of violence to include conduct that endangers, or could endanger, the life or safety of another person; and other changes that would make it easier to incarcerate a young person while they are awaiting trial.

For two years, Nova Scotia has been calling on the federal government to make changes to strengthen the act. Other provinces also voiced concerns at a recent meeting of federal, provincial and territorial justice ministers.

"While the act works for the majority of young offenders, Commissioner Nunn, provinces and legal experts have recognized the need for changes to protect communities," said Mr. Scott. "We also know that, in some cases, the programming provided through incarceration offers the best chance for rehabilitation for the young offender."

The province will deliver its response to the Nunn Commission report in the coming weeks.

"Government's response will identify actions to improve services and elements of the youth justice system under the province's control," said Mr. Scott. "I look forward to seeing the details on the federal government's plan."