At the meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Justice in Fredericton, New Brunswick, on February 27-28, 1997, the Hon. Allan Rock and Hon. Herb Gray led the discussion on various efforts underway to deal with high risk, serious and violent offenders. Several agenda items related to this area of high risk offenders. Efforts include the monitoring of recent (1995) changes to the Young Offenders Act and proposals before Parliament related to dangerous and long-term offenders. As well, the importance of information exchange between various components of the Criminal Justice system was stressed.
In addition, the issue of public disclosure or notification concerning high risk offenders, particularly those released from correctional facilities, was reviewed. Hon. Mitchell Murphy, Minister of Community Affairs and Attorney General for Prince Edward Island, emphasized the need for a national approach in this regard. While recognizing and appreciating several provinces have developed protocols or related procedures, Mr. Murphy requested that Ministers support the need for national standards, consistency, policy and a process based in criminal law. Such an approach should result in a better means to identify appropriate cases, respect privacy concerns and inform the public so as to further protect victims and enhance public safety.
Mr. Murphy proposed that the issue be examined further and that a framework or model be developed. There are existing provisions in the Criminal Code where, upon application to a Court, an order with conditions may be granted to deal with certain matters. Perhaps these can be expanded upon.
The Department of Community Affairs and Attorney General had brought this matter to the attention of Federal Justice officials in a letter in early February as a follow-up to a November 1996 Deputy Ministers' meeting. That letter was distributed to other Ministers at last week's meeting.
By way of response, the Justice Ministers agreed that the matter of public disclosure or notification be referred to officials and that Deputy Ministers consider developing a national approach. This will also be examined at a conference on high risk offenders being hosted by Manitoba this June.
This discussion was also helpful to Prince Edward Island in understanding the complexity of this matter. As well, Prince Edward Island should benefit from a national approach whenever it has a need to consider public disclosure or notification in particular high risk cases. While such situations may be infrequent, it is important that we have a sound, acceptable and effective approach. Mr. Murphy was pleased with the support and interest expressed by other Ministers in the examination of this important matter.
For more information, contact: Phil Arbing, Provincial Advisor, Corrections and Criminal Justice, at (902) 368-6619.