News release

Justice Minister Brings Nova Scotia Concerns to Ottawa

Justice

Nova Scotia Justice Minister Cecil Clarke will be in Ottawa Friday, Nov. 2, to discuss justice issues with federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson.

"Although I am new to the Justice portfolio, I am very aware of concerns Nova Scotians have about crime," said Mr. Clarke. "At the provincial level we are taking action, including adding new police officers, addressing youth crime and developing a provincial crime-prevention strategy. We need to ensure federal efforts are addressing issues that Nova Scotians care about."

In October, the federal minister travelled to Halifax to announce amendments to the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The amendments would make it easier to hold accused youth before trial, a long-standing issue of concern for Nova Scotia. Mr. Clarke will seek to ensure the coming amendments reflect issues raised by Nova Scotia and recommendations made by the Nunn Commission.

"We are pleased that the federal government has agreed to take immediate actions to improve the act," said Mr. Clarke. "We want to make sure the amendments give the courts enough flexibility to detain a young person before trial when their behaviour endangers themselves or the public."

During the meeting, Mr. Clarke will also raise issues under federal jurisdiction, including recently introduced federal legislation on issues like mandatory minimum sentences, impaired driving and dangerous offenders.

Mr. Clarke will join his counterparts at federal, provincial and territorial justice ministers meetings in Winnipeg later this month.