Disproportionate number of jailed minorities deeply concerning

Re: the Nov. 13 open letter from guest columnists Savannah Dewolfe, Sarah Douglas and Dan Vanclieaf, “Stop filling up Nova Scotia jails with Indigenous women.”

Over-representation of African Nova Scotian and Indigenous people in our justice system is deeply concerning to me. Sadly, Nova Scotia is not alone in seeing an increase in admissions of Indigenous women in our correctional facilities; it is an unfortunate issue across the country. Savannah, Sarah and Dan are correct in saying it is collectively “our” problem to address.

As a society, we need to listen and look at the root causes and reasons why this is happening. This concern continues to be the focus of the work undertaken by the province’s Criminal Justice Transformation Group, which consists of senior leaders from the departments of Justice, Community Services, Health and Wellness, Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Nova Scotia judiciary, Provincial Prosecution Service, Nova Scotia Legal Aid, private bar and police agencies.

We acknowledge the effects of colonialism and the impacts of systemic racism within society and the justice system, and we are actively working to build a justice system that is more responsive and culturally sensitive to the needs of all Nova Scotians. Our goal is reducing harm, supporting rehabilitation, reintegration, restoration and reconciliation within the community. We know that innovative and culturally appropriate programs and services are key to meeting these goals. We also believe we cannot achieve these goals without actively listening and collaborating with the community.

As minister, I do not have a remand policy, nor do I play a role in these decisions. However, we recognize that access to resources and supports can be a significant issue in this regard and we are proud to support the Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network and their

Bail Verification and Supervision Project which provides an innovative and evidence-based alternative to Indigenous persons who may otherwise be remanded into custody. I am also proud of the work that has been done to build on Nova Scotia’s Restorative Justice programs — as we know, a restorative approach is key to this work.

We continue to work together with Indigenous, federal, provincial and territorial partners on the recommendations from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. This work, along with efforts currently underway to transform policing and public safety, will help lead us on a new path forward to a safer and more just Nova Scotia for all.

I am encouraged these members of the legal community are taking up this important call. I commend them for committing to do their part to help support the important work underway. I look forward to the continued, active participation of our legal community as we work collectively to address the issue of over-representation of Indigenous and African Nova Scotian people in the criminal justice system.