Government Investing in Justice System

Judges, lawyers, correctional officers and sheriffs will soon be working in more modern and safe courtrooms and correctional facilities. Upgrades to the Law Courts in Halifax and the construction of a new correctional facility are part of the province's new capital plan.

"Courthouses and correctional facilities are key pillars of the justice system and we want them to be modern, safe and efficient for our staff, partners and those Nova Scotians who need them," said Ross Landry, Minister of Justice.

"These are strategic investments that will make our justice system better and strengthen the economy of the communities where they are located, both during and after construction and renovation."

Renovations to the Law Courts are part of a four-year project to upgrade the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and mechanical systems, which houses the Court of Appeal and the Nova Scotia Supreme Court. The province is also looking at possible locations for a new courthouse in Truro. The proposed new Truro Justice Centre would replace two aging courthouses, on Prince Street and Church Street.

This work is in addition to ongoing improvements to courtrooms across the province. A total of 23 courtrooms are scheduled for some alterations to further improve safety and security for judges, lawyers, sheriffs and participants.

"The Public Prosecution Service appreciates the work being done in the Halifax Regional Municipality and across the province to modernize and make courts safer for Crown Attorneys and all those present in a court house," said Martin Herschorn, director of Public Prosecutions. "Safety and security for everyone in our courts is of the utmost importance."

Hundreds of Nova Scotians will be employed in the renovation and construction work over the coming year.

The construction of the Northeast Nova Scotia Correctional Facility, a 200-bed institution in Priestville, Pictou Co., will also create about 100 jobs in the community, 70 of them new positions. Construction on the facility began earlier this year and is expected to be complete in 2014.

In total, the province will invest about $23 million on justice system upgrades:

• $6 million will be used to continue upgrades to the Law Courts in Halifax
• $15 million will go toward the Northeast Nova Scotia Correctional Facility
• $1 million will be used to select a site and begin design work for the proposed new Truro Justice Centre
• $900,000 will be used to replace sheriffs' vans and other vehicles.

This is the third straight year the province will release the capital plan before the spring budget. This sends a clear signal of what the province intends to do in the year ahead, and gives the private sector greater opportunity to prepare for projects, creating efficiencies and cost savings for the province.