Justice Minister Welcomes Youth Criminal Justice Act Amendments

Nova Scotia Justice Minister Cecil Clarke is calling on all members of Parliament and senators to support amendments to the Youth Criminal Justice Act introduced Monday, Nov. 19, by federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson.

"We have heard loud and clear that Nova Scotians want a stronger Youth Criminal Justice Act," said Mr. Clarke. "Now that the federal government has introduced these improvements, we need to see them quickly passed into law."

Earlier this fall, the federal government announced it would make amendments in response to Nova Scotia's demand for improvements. The need for changes was also outlined by McEvoy Inquiry Commissioner Merlin Nunn and the Minister's Task Force on Safer Streets and Communities.

The amendments introduced Monday will provide more flexibility to allow courts to hold a youth when their behaviour is a danger to themselves or others. The changes will also allow courts to consider deterrence when sentencing youth. The federal government has also committed to a full review of the act in 2008.

"I encourage all Nova Scotians to call on their member of Parliament to support this important public safety legislation," said Mr. Clarke.