News Release

Community Justice Strengthened On Manitoulin Island

McGuinty Government Increasing Access To Justice For Aboriginal Peoples

August 28, 2008

News

A new justice initiative will help reduce crime and victimization among Manitoulin Island’s Aboriginal peoples.

The United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM) will receive an additional $41,000 per year to provide specialized reports to the court to help ensure the sentencing of Aboriginal offenders is as effective as possible for the community.

Ontario currently contributes almost $99,000 per year to UCCM to provide pre- and post-charge counselling based on the traditional Anishnaabe beliefs of prevention, accountability, making amends and healing.

These initiatives support Ontario’s Aboriginal Justice Strategy to improve the criminal justice system’s understanding of First Nations, Métis and Inuit justice systems and perspectives. 

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

Quotes

“We want to help victims of crime in First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities while providing more effective alternatives for Aboriginal sentencing,” said Attorney General Chris Bentley. “We’re building on our Aboriginal justice partnership with the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin to support healthier, safer Aboriginal communities.”

“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.”

“The government is pleased to support programs that help Aboriginal people take responsibility for the administration of justice in their communities,” said Mike Brown, MPP Algoma-Manitoulin.

"We appreciate the Ministry's support for our community justice program,” said Hazel Recollet, Chief Executive Officer, United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin.  “UCCM Justice has received support from Ontario for fourteen years.  Additional resources will allow us to deliver enhanced services of Gladue sentencing reports for court which will serve Manitoulin well."

"The new Gladue funding will allow a more effective examination of root causes of offences and ways to promote amends and healing through culturally appropriate services,” said Lora Mackie, UCCM Justice Co-ordinator.

Quick Facts

• Aboriginal Community Justice Programs in Ontario are benefiting from an additional $600,000 in provincial funding and a doubling of overall funding in partnership with the federal government.
• Ontario currently 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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