Premier Pat Binns today advised that he has asked that a request for Executive Council to appoint an additional Provincial Court Judge be withdrawn. Originally, the objective of the additional judge was to free up Provincial Court resources so that work toward the establishment of a domestic violence court could be undertaken. Government also had requested that the Provincial Court examine the area of aboriginal justice.
However, the Premier said that since the announcement of the appointment of an additional justice, government has received numerous representations suggesting alternatives to addressing the challenges around domestic violence prevention, family law services and aboriginal justice.
“This announcement today essentially responds to input we have received from the community and, as always, we take that input very seriously and respond when possible,” said Premier Binns.
Binns assured Islanders, however, that today’s announcement will in no way diminish his government’s objective to make improvements in the area of domestic violence prevention and family law services.
Recognizing the significant work already in progress, the Premier has asked the Attorney General, Honourable Mildred Dover, to immediately initiate discussions with the Chief Judge of the Provincial Court, representatives of the Premier’s Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention and community stakeholders to generate recommendations for government’s consideration.
Binns has asked Dover to make those recommendations available to Cabinet in the new year.