Making the criminal justice system ‘faster, fairer’
Provincial announcement includes additional resources to ease backlog
KITCHENER — Waterloo Region is getting more resources to speed up the criminal justice system and improve the bail system.
The province’s aim is to ease the backlog in the criminal justice system to make it “faster and fairer,” said Attorney Gendecisions, eral Yasir Naqvi, who was in Kitchener on Monday for the announcement.
The local investment includes 10 new bail beds at the House of Friendship in Kitchener to provide safe, supportive and supervised housing for vulnerable accused individuals, a new dedicated bail vettor Crown attorney for faster bail a new duty counsel bail co-ordinator at the Kitchener courthouse to help expedite the bail process, and two new assistant Crown attorneys to help reduce time to trial in this area.
There will also be 13 new judges in Ontario, with one slated to be assigned to Kitchener.
“Serious cases are being stayed because they’ve taken
too long,” Naqvi said. “Which can be devastating to victims, families and communities.”
The province will also enhance the existing bail verification and supervision programs in Waterloo Region and Guelph.
Supporting vulnerable, low-risk people released on bail keeps them out jail, which is costly to the system. Plus ensuring they’re connected with appropriate supports makes them less likely to commit further criminal offences.
“Many of these people don’t need to be there,” Naqvi said.
House of Friendship is already housing people out on bail in its shelters, but this pilot project will allow them to offer more specialized support.
“Through this program we can enhance some services,” said John Neufeld, executive director. “We know there’s a need. We’ve always known.”
Many of the people supported by the program are dealing with mental health and addiction issues, and finding secure housing can be particularly challenging.
“If we can provide additional services, then maybe we can help them settle into their life as it is,” said Christine Stevanus, housing services manager.
The province’s new juror support program is also up and running, providing free counselling to those dealing with lasting traumatic effects of serving on a jury.
“Serving on a jury can be rewarding. It can also be a pretty tough task,” Naqvi said.
Jurors take time away from work and their families, and often hear troubling testimony. Now they can call the toll-free number 1-844-587-6766 for confidential counselling, in person, over the phone, by email or video conference.