Greater public understanding should be the main result of a report on Prince Edward Island's criminal justice system, says * Provincial Affairs [to Oct 1996] Minister and Attorney General Lynwood MacPherson.
"The work that went into the report, 2020 Vision - Justice into the 21st Century, is quite comprehensive, " Mr. MacPherson said. "I believe the contents of the report will help to guide the criminal justice system while contributing to public knowledge of the challenges we face."
Health and Social Services Minister Walter McEwen said 2020 Vision is an accurate reflection of various components of the justice and corrections systems "because the views of Islanders are an integral part of the report. One section deals entirely with a survey of public perceptions and knowledge, and this will help to point the way to greater involvement in the justice and corrections systems."
The public survey is based on 267 interviews conducted in 1995. Additionally, consultation sessions were held in both Summerside and Charlottetown. This was supplemented by an extensive examination of statistical and program information.
The review of the system was done by the Health and Community Services Agency, * Provincial Affairs [to Oct 1996] and Attorney General, Solicitor General Canada (Atlantic Region) and Correctional Services Canada (Atlantic Region) with participation from Justice Canada. The RCMP "L" Division and the community were also involved in the review.
Among the recommendations included in the report is a Justice Summit, which will draw together various community representatives and officials for a discussion on criminal justice issues.
It is anticipated that the Summit will be held in 1997.
For more information, contact Phil Arbing, Provincial Advisor on Corrections and Criminal Justice at the Health and Community Services Agency, (902) 368-6130. Copies of the four volume report are available at Island Information Service, (902) 368-4000.