17 Ways To Get First Nations Involved In Juries

A former Supreme Court of Justice calls it a wake up call.
Frank Iacobucci released his report on getting more First Nations involved in provincial juries in Thunder Bay this morning.
Iacobucci says the first step is establishing an implementation committee with First Nation membership.
He hopes the government will respond quickly, because it’s going to take years to look at the situation.
Some other priorities in the report include considering amendments to the criminal code, addressing the unfair exclusion to potential First Nation jurors, reviewing and addressing juror member compensation and considering a distinct process for volunteering for jury service for coroner’s inquests.
Additional requirements include providing translation service for jurors and amendments to the jury’s act to address the subject of prior criminal offences that exclude people from jury service.
It also suggests courts utilize existing government databases such as band residency information, Ministry of Transportation documents, and health card information when looking for possible jurors.
Iacobucci released his report after meeting with people from 32 First Nation Communities, and Aboriginal Leadership.