Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, different communities have different crime rates. How active community justice committees are really does tend to depend on the willingness of the community, the local RCMP to divert to these community justice committees. I think the community has to be comfortable with that approach. You mentioned the YCJA and the new philosophy. In the transition from the old Young Offenders Act, that has played an important role. But, Mr. Speaker, I am not suggesting that keeping our facilities adequate and up to date reduces the crime rate, but it is part of the overall justice system. We have to recognize the pressure on courts has really exploded over the last five years. We do have a lot of issues that we need to deal with. I am not trying at all to diminish the fact that our community justice committees need to be adequately supported. Those workers need to have adequate training. As a department, we need to work hand in hand with them to make sure that it is an effective piece of our correction system. I am committed to doing that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Brendan Bell on Question 384-15(4): Review Of Community Justice Programs
In the Legislative Assembly on February 10th, 2006. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 384-15(4): Review Of Community Justice Programs
Question 384-15(4): Review Of Community Justice Programs
Item 6: Oral Questions
February 9th, 2006
Page 933
See context to find out what was said next.