Report Implementation Update

The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service has implemented 18 of the 29 recommendations made by retired judge Fred Kaufman in an independent review of the service released in June, 1999. Another nine recommendations are in the process of being implemented and two are pending.

"I am delighted with the progress made on the recommendations," said Attorney General Michael Baker. "This government remains committed to an enhanced and improved Public Prosecution Service and will aggressively continue to push forward on that track."

Most of Mr. Kaufman's recommendations dealt with human resource issues and enhanced internal and stakeholder communications.

"We've made good progress and at a very good pace," said Martin Herschorn, acting director of the Public Prosecution Service. "I certainly expect that to continue."

The most significant changes to date have been the establishment of a salary-setting mechanism for Crown attorneys; several legislative amendments to the Public Prosecutions Act dealing with accountability, communications and budget; and enhanced employee communications.

Among those recommendations still in the process of being implemented are public information initiatives which will fall out of long-term communications strategy; the establishment of a formal provincial liaison body for the prosecution service and police agencies; and a strategy to employ more paralegals.

Further consultation is required before the Public Prosecution Service can move forward on the two recommendations pending: to conduct a feasibility study on extending benefits to contract Crown attorneys and to allocate more funds for Crown attorneys to attend continuing legal education events.

Mr. Kaufman was asked to conduct a review of the service after it received public criticism for its handling of a few high profile cases.

"There's no doubt that there's still work to be done," said Mr. Baker. "But we're moving ahead with a good deal of positive momentum."

NOTE TO EDITORS: A three-page status report on implementation of the Kaufman report recommendations is available; please e-mail <[email protected].>