News Release

For Immediate Release
February 11, 2008

McGuinty Government Responding To Civil Justice Reform Report

BARRIE — The Barrie courthouse will receive new accessible and bilingual entrance signage, part of a province-wide project to improve access to justice for the public by making Ontario’s court services easier to find.

The government will consult with local judges, lawyers and courthouse users to help determine signage needs in each courthouse.  The government will also consult with experts on accessibility issues and organizations representing people with disabilities to ensure the signs meet the needs of people with disabilities. Discussions will also be held with representatives of the francophone community.

The Barrie courthouse will be the first facility to receive new signs. Best practices from the development of these signs will be applied to courthouses across the province.

This is in addition to the assessment of Simcoe County’s current and long-term court facility needs though a Facility Renewal Study, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2008.  The terms of the study are currently being developed and will include a 25-year master plan with recommendations for future court needs in Simcoe County.

“We are improving our court system and making the process easier for Ontarians who need court services,” said Attorney General Chris Bentley.  “We want to make sure that when people enter a courthouse, there is no confusion about where they are to go.” 

“Improving the signs in the Barrie courthouse will enhance access to basic information,” said Barrie MPP Aileen Carroll.   “The end result will be better service and convenience and less stress for the everyday user.”

The project to make court services easier to find is part of the government’s response to a review by the Honourable Coulter Osborne.  In his report, The Civil Justice Reform Project: Summary of Findings and Recommendations, Mr. Osborne highlighted the importance of providing better help and information to court users.

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