KAMLOOPS - The first 10 steps toward transforming B.C.'s justice system were announced today by Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond, with projects aimed at reducing backlog, improving access to justice services and increasing transparency.

A Modern, Transparent Justice System is a white paper outlining government's immediate action on recommendations made in an independent review of B.C.'s justice system by Geoffrey Cowper, released in August 2012. Part two of the white paper, to be released later, will have further actions including those taking into consideration the findings of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry.

Based on extensive stakeholder consultation and input from the public, Cowper recommended a series of changes that government and the judiciary could make to improve timeliness, court administration and the experiences of victims. His review was called after government performed an internal government audit and released a green paper outlining challenges affecting transparency, efficiency and access in the justice system.

The white paper identifies that timeliness, transparency and balance are essential parts of effective justice and public confidence. The action plan, which lays the foundation for achieving sustainable reform, focuses on creating a new model of transparent governance and reducing court delays through the use of evidence-based approaches.

Starting immediately, government will begin implementing the following 10 activities:

1. Establish a new governance structure, through a Justice and Public Safety Council, to set strategic direction and ensure co-ordination across the justice system.

2. Develop an annual Justice and Public Safety Plan that will set goals for the justice system and report publicly on performance measures.

3. Hold a regular Justice Summit, beginning March 2013, with justice system leaders to discuss the progress and direction of reforms.

4. Create better administrative management tools that will help enhance transparency and accountability within the system.

5. Transform justice information systems, beginning with the release of a Technology Strategy for Justice Information by spring 2013.

6. Construct a business intelligence system, starting with developing an Action Plan on Business Intelligence, that will help measure and report on how the system operates.

7. Create a costing methodology that considers the key cost drivers across the system and determines, in co-operation with the judiciary, the appropriate judicial complement for the Provincial Court.

8. Set performance measures that are relevant to the public and report on progress using tools like the Justice and Public Safety Plan and the JusticeBC data dashboard.

9. Reduce case backlogs and improve overall efficiency with a new court scheduling system, Crown file ownership, expansion of criminal duty counsel services, and an early resolution pilot project.

10. Streamline routine practices such as the way information flows from prosecutors to accused and their defence counsel, admission and discharges from corrections and workflow practices in courthouses to improve efficiency and service delivery.

B.C.'s justice reform activities are intended to address the paradox that British Columbia and other jurisdictions face with rising costs and delays, despite a declining crime rate and no increase in case load.

The B.C. government's justice reform activities are a key commitment of the Families First Agenda, which strives to ensure that families have access to justice services and feel safe at home and in their communities. To read the agenda, share your ideas or provide feedback, visit: http://www.familiesfirstbc.ca/

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Attorney General -

"With this action plan, we have the first part of B.C.'s agenda for reform that we will use to create a justice system that works better for British Columbians. These significant changes to the governance structure will lay the foundation for the innovative projects that will come."

"We are beginning these reforms immediately and we will pursue these changes aggressively so the public can be confident that B.C.'s justice system will be fair, accessible, and timely when they need it."

"The B.C. government is committed to being open with citizens about the progress of these reforms and providing the public with accurate information about how the system is performing so we can keep building a better system."

Chris Axworthy, QC, founding dean of law, Thompson Rivers University -

"There is a general consensus on the importance of improving the criminal justice system. Lawyers and soon-to-be lawyers welcome initiatives focusing on improving the efficiency and outcomes of the justice system. Improved consultation with stakeholders and enhanced performance measures can only help to enhance the system."

"Addressing case backlogs and delays, expanding duty counsel services and more early alternative resolution will all be seen by lawyers and law students alike as positive initiatives."

Quick Facts:

• The B.C. government invests over $1 billion annually in public safety and the justice system.
• In the past six years, the crime rate in B.C. has dropped 33 per cent, and is 45 per cent lower than its all-time high in 1991.
• Expenditures on adult criminal justice personnel and processes have increased by 35 per cent since 2005.
• The number of new Provincial Court adult criminal and youth cases has declined, but the average amount of court time to conclude them has increased.

Learn More:

Read White Paper Part One: A Modern, Transparent Justice System: http://www.justicebc.ca/shared/pdfs/WhitePaperOne.pdf

View Cowper's report and recommendations:
http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/justice-reform/pdf/CowperFinalReport.pdf

Read the B.C. government's green paper, Modernizing B.C.'s Justice System: http://www.ag.gov.bc.ca/public/JusticeSystemReviewGreenPaper.pdf

To see current court and caseload information, visit the data dashboards at: www.justicebc.ca

Contact:

Lauren Mulholland
Ministry of Justice
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 387-4961 or 250 889 3922