News Release

Supporting Aboriginal Community Justice In Kenora

McGuinty Government Increasing Access To Justice For Aboriginal Peoples

August 19, 2008

News

Ontario is supporting Aboriginal community justice in Kenora through two community partnerships:

• A partnership between the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, the Treaty Three Police Service, and the Crown is reducing the number of charges laid.  Before charges are laid, the partners determine if community supports can be used to address underlying factors that contribute to the offender’s actions.
• The number of accused persons being flown to Kenora for bail hearings is also being reduced. Consultations between the Crown and police in remote communities determine release and appearance conditions in advance. This results in fewer accused being flown long distances, only to be released later at bail hearings and transported home again.

In addition, Ontario’s Aboriginal Victims Support Grants Program is helping Aboriginal communities support victims of crime. 

Ontario’s Aboriginal Justice Strategy is improving the criminal justice system’s understanding of First Nations, Métis and Inuit justice systems and perspectives.

Quotes

“We are working with our partners to offer programs that will reduce the number of Aboriginal victims in our communities and the number of Aboriginal people in our correctional facilities,” said Attorney General Chris Bentley. “Our Aboriginal community justice programs and victims support grants help to achieve these goals by building on the good work being done by our justice partners.”

“We are improving and increasing access to justice for Ontario's First Nations, Métis and Inuit,” said Michael Bryant, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. “Our government is ensuring that the unique cultures of Ontario's First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities are recognized and respected by our justice system.”

"Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service supports this initiative to improve the overall approach and quality of justice in our communities," said John Domm, Chief of Police of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service. "In the end, the residents of our communities will benefit from a superior process which ensures justice is served for all concerned."

Quick Facts

• Ontario’s Aboriginal Community Justice Programs are benefiting from an additional $600,000 in provincial funding this year and a doubling of overall funding in partnership with the federal government. 
• Ontario funds nine programs providing Aboriginal community justice in 19 locations across the province.

Learn More

Ontario’s New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs

Read the Ministry of the Attorney General’s Crown policy manual section on Aboriginal justice

Contacts

Sheamus Murphy
Minister's Office, 416-326-1785

Brendan Crawley
Communications Branch, 416-326-2210

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