Minister Discusses Crime with Federal and Provincial Counterparts

A range of issues important to Nova Scotians was covered today, June 1, in a productive meeting with federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson, said provincial Justice Minister Murray Scott.

Mr. Scott is in Ottawa meeting with his federal and provincial counterparts on organized crime.

"I presented Mr. Nicholson with the recent report of the Task Force on Safer Streets and Communities," said Mr. Scott. "It outlines Nova Scotian's concerns about crime, including many of the issues under discussion at these meetings, like illegal drugs, property crimes, and violent crime.

"In this report, Nova Scotians asked for changes to the federal Youth Criminal Justice Act, a recommendation also made by Commissioner Merlin Nunn in his inquiry into the death of Theresa McEvoy. I had a good discussion with Mr. Nicholson on the need to strengthen the act. He agreed and advised that improvements would be forthcoming."

Mr. Scott also congratulated the federal government for its success in moving forward important pieces of anti-crime legislation, such as restricting house arrest, mandatory penalties for certain firearms offenses, extending dangerous offender status to repeat sexual and violent offenders, placing the onus for release on bail on the accused instead of the Crown for firearms related offenses and support to make motor vehicle theft a stand alone offense.

"This motor vehicle initiative was introduced and championed by former Justice Minister Michael Baker and I am pleased to see that is moving through parliament," said Mr. Scott.