Courts to restart in early June
Province establishes interim child and youth advocate committee with Liberal, Green MLAs
P.E.I. courts are expected to begin resuming hearings in early June with physical distancing measures in place, Justice Minister Bloyce Thompson said in a media briefing Tuesday.
"We hope to announce it in a week or so, the exact roll-out. I think the Court of Appeal will be a little later, but Supreme Court and provincial court will be definitely early June."
This would include family court services.
Thompson said he was unaware to what degree backlogs exist within the court system at present.
A firm date for resumption of court services had not previously been included in the province’s plans for easing COVID-19 public health restrictions.
Natalie Jameson, minister responsible for the Status of Women, also announced the creation of a multipartisan Children and Youth Table.
The group will operate as an interim council tasked with protecting the rights of children and youth, prior to the appointment of a child and youth advocate.
It will be chaired by Green MLA Karla Bernard.
Jameson will act as vicechairwoman while Liberal
MLA Gord McNeilly will also serve as a member.
Staff of the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate and other government departments will also serve as members.
Former deputy minister Michele Dorsey was appointed as the child and youth advocate by the previous Liberal government, but legislation has since been passed that would see the legislative assembly appoint a candidate for the position.
Dorsey had been serving in the role in an interim capacity, but Jameson said there is currently no one in the role, although staff members of the office are still at work.
The appointment of the child and touth advocate will occur in an upcoming sitting of the legislative assembly, planned for this month.
"When the advocate is appointed, the future of the group will be under their jurisdiction,” Jameson said.
"We hope to announce it in a week or so, the exact rollout. I think the Court of Appeal will be a little later, but Supreme Court and provincial court will be definitely early June."
Bloyce Thompson