Ontario Making Criminal Justice System Faster and Fairer in Kingston and Surrounding Area

Ministry of the Attorney General

Province Appointing a New Judge, Expanding Bail Programs and Providing More Support for Jurors

Kingston, ON – Feb 7, 2017

 

Ontario is moving forward with its plans to make the criminal justice system faster and fairer by implementing key programs to help reduce time-to-trial and improve the bail system in Kingston and the surrounding area.

The plan will enhance public safety by making it possible to resolve criminal cases faster and by making more supports and supervision available to vulnerable, low-risk individuals who come in contact with the law.

This includes the expansion of the Bail Verification and Supervision Program to Belleville, Brockville and Napanee to increase supervision and support for low-risk individuals before their trial. In addition, of the 13 new judges announced in December 2016, Chief Justice Lise Maisonneuve of the Ontario Court of Justice has indicated that she will assign a judge to Kingston.

To provide insight into the unique systemic factors and background of Indigenous accused persons, a new Gladue report writer has been hired in Tyendinaga First Nation. This will allow the court to make more informed decisions at bail and sentencing including considering culturally appropriate options and available alternatives to incarceration.

Ontario is providing easier access to experienced and qualified counsellors. The Juror Support Program is available to help Ontarians who have served as jurors at the end of a trial or a coroner’s inquest, if and when they need it.There are no out-of-pocket expenses for jurors, and the program is completely confidential.

Improving Ontario’s criminal justice system is part of the government’s plan to create jobs, keep communities safe and help people in their everyday lives.

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