Some major enhancements for the justice system in northwestern Ontario.
The province’s Attorney General has announced a number of new programs and additional staff for local courts.
Yasir Naqvi says the goal is the reduce the time it takes to get a legal matter to trial.
Naqvi admits there are some daunting challenges facing the criminal system in the north.
He believes they are making strides to address the shortfalls.
Naqvi says he met with area First Nations and communities when he developed the support.
Arthur Huminuk is the Justice Coordinator for Treaty Three and says one of the new initiatives is a ‘Bail Verification’ program.
The initiative will allow residents of First Nations to stay in their home community instead of having to travel to Sioux Lookout, Dryden, Kenora or Fort Frances for a bail hearing.
The province is committing $250,000 a year for the program.
Naqvi adds that two new assistant crown attorneys will be hired in Kenora and two new judges are expected to be appointed in Kenora and Thunder Bay.
