Attorney General
As part of government's ongoing investment to reduce pressures in B.C.'s justice system, Budget 2012 includes a $160,000 commitment for the Justice Institute of British Columbia's Centre for Court Administration (CCA), which will open this April.
The CCA will provide new and current employees with the training they need to maintain the excellent service they provide in support of B.C.'s judiciary and the people of British Columbia. Changing legislation and case law mean that staff need to continually learn new and complex policies and procedures.
The centre will play a key role in filling court clerk and court registry positions, which are expected to be in demand as a result of retirements over the next five years.
When the centre is fully operational, it will provide training to approximately 700 court administration staff. The training will be delivered through online study and virtual classroom work, as well as in-person at Justice Institute of British Columbia campuses throughout the province.
The commitment to ensure a highly trained court administration staff is just one more step the Province is taking to help reduce pressures on B.C.'s justice system. The CCA has previously received $80,000 to assist with curriculum development.
Quotes:
Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond -
"We have always said government will continue to invest funding in the justice system when necessary and where appropriate. Now, with almost a quarter of a million dollars for the Centre for Court Administration, we can help ensure the continued recruitment, training and retention of our hard-working court administration staff."
"The staff completing this program will further increase court efficiencies and help reduce and avoid case delays."
Justice Institute of British Columbia president Jack McGee -
"JIBC is committed to ensuring that court administration staff has access to the education and training needed to support an effective and efficient judiciary, and contribute to the safety of communities across the province."
"Our applied learning approach will ensure that they are prepared to make an immediate impact on the justice system, and build a strong foundation for learning throughout their careers."
Quick Facts:
The centre will offer two programs:
- The foundational studies component will assist new employees with a comprehensive overview of the justice system and the important role and structure of the Ministry of Justice within the system.
- The continuing studies program will provide training in the skills required for specific court administration roles and is intended for both new staff and existing staff moving into new positions.
The Ministry of Justice court services branch has more than 700 court administration staff located in more than 45 locations provincewide.
Court administration employees include court clerks, registry clerks and technicians, senior registry technicians and managers.
Learn More:
Centre for Court Administration:
Ministry of Justice, court services branch: http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/courts
Contact:
Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 387-4962
250 889-5945 (cell)
