News Release

For Immediate Release
March 20, 2009

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McGuinty Government Increasing Access To Justice For Aboriginal Peoples

NEWS

Ontario is supporting the expansion of two initiatives that will increase access to justice for London's Aboriginal community.

The N'Amerind Friendship Centre will bring on new staff for the Aboriginal Community Justice Program to increase access to the pre- and post-charge direct accountability programs for Aboriginal adults and youth in the criminal justice system. Also, London and St. Thomas courts will benefit from a Gladue (or Aboriginal) worker trained in providing specialized reports that can be taken into account during the sentencing of Aboriginal offenders.

The province is providing an additional $71,000 annually, through a partnership with the federal government, for both projects, which will improve and increase access to justice for Aboriginal people by ensuring the availability of proper cultural and healing supports that help to reduce the risk of re-offending.

QUOTES

"Different circumstances lead to different needs, which is why the Ontario government supports solutions developed by Aboriginal communities for Aboriginal communities. The expansion of these two programs in the London area will help reduce the risk of re-offending and create a more comprehensive criminal justice system."
- Chris Bentley, Attorney General

"We are pleased to be working with the Ontario government to increase the types of services available to Aboriginal people in London and St. Thomas. These programs help to strengthen the voice of Aboriginal people involved in the criminal justice system and ensure they have the support they need."
- Donna Pinnance, President of N'Amerind Friendship Centre

QUICK FACTS

• Ontario currently funds 11 programs providing Aboriginal community justice in 23 locations across the province.
• In 2007-08, N'Amerind received a total of $67,965 from the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres to deliver its justice program. Of this, Ontario contributed $22,655, and Legal Aid Ontario and the Department of Justice each contributed $22,655.
• Ontario recently announced a $2 million Aboriginal Victims Grant Program to help fund community based projects to help First Nations, Métis and Inuit victims of crime. Grant recipients will be announced in the spring of 2009.

LEARN MORE

Read what people are saying.

Ontario's New Approach to Aboriginal Affairs.

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

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