Legislation to Amalgamate Provincial and Family Courts

Families will have improved access to court with the amalgamation of Provincial and Family courts.

The province has introduced amendments to the Provincial Court Act today, March 19 to further streamline the administration of justice. The amendments will allow judges appointed to Provincial Court to also hear family matters.

In Nova Scotia, Provincial Court deals with criminal cases and Family Court hears family matters. The amendments will allow Provincial Court judges to hear both.

"The amendments introduced today will support families and provide more flexibility to address a growing demand for family court," said Acting Justice Minister Chris d'Entremont. "This amalgamation will increase the number of judges who can hear family matters, streamlining the process for families across the province."

The amalgamation does not affect the family division of the Supreme Court in Halifax, Sydney and Port Hawkesbury, where those judges have sole responsibility for family cases.