Amendments to Allow Appointment of Out of Province Judges

Nova Scotians will have greater access to bilingual hearings through amendments to the Provincial Court Act introduced today, Nov. 8.

The amendments will allow an out of province judge to be appointed to hear a case in provincial court, a particularly important option in the case of a French-language trial.

"We must ensure that all Nova Scotians receive a fair trial -- in either French or English -- in the provincial court in Nova Scotia," said Justice Minister Murray Scott.

Currently Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick have similar legislation. The Nova Scotia judiciary was consulted on the proposed amendment.

"This amendment gives us greater flexibility and helps make the system more responsive," said Mr. Scott.