A new Justice Centre in Kenora will be up and running in the new year.
That’s according to Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey and Kenora-Rainy River MPP and Cabinet Minister Greg Rickford.
The two were in Kenora yesterday (Thursday) to announce the formation of a special advisory council to oversee the facility.
Downey says the council will be set up in October.
He hopes to begin operations in January 2020, but notes it will take some time construct a new building.
There is no word as of yet where the Justice Center will be located.
Downey says “To cut crime and make a community safer we must address the repeat offenders who move through the revolving door of the system struggling with poverty, mental health, addiction, lack of secure housing, and unemployment.”
“This Justice Centre will bring together partners and services to ensure help is there when and where it is needed to hold individuals accountable, support victims, and break the cycle of offending.”
Rickford says “The Kenora Justice Centre is being designed by and for the community it serves. It’s moving justice out of traditional courtrooms and into a community setting.”
“Our government is working closely with Indigenous partners, police, and justice partners to improve Indigenous people’s experiences in the justice system.”
The province has also pledged to establish a satellite Justice Centre in Sioux Lookout.
The PC’s have approved funding for four facilities in Ontario.
Our govt is taking action to improve the justice system by implementing a Justice Centre in Kenora that will make our justice system more relevant & responsive to our community needs. Thank you to the Attorney General @douglasdowney for sharing this exciting news in Kenora today. pic.twitter.com/sUvKxXEUWk
— Greg Rickford (@GregRickford) September 26, 2019
