By Curtis Galbraith

Community

City, County pushing for local Court of Queen’s Bench judge

May 19, 2021 | 5:30 AM

A letter from Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton will be going to Justice Minister Kaycee Madu asking that Grande Prairie have a Court of Queen’s Bench judge who lives in this area.

“The residents of northwest Alberta deserve a Court of Queen’s Bench justice to reside in the City of Grande Prairie. For many years, we’ve had one travelling and the growth in our region justifies this. It says right in the (Court of Queen’s Bench) Act that Grande Prairie will have this position.”

Clayton adds it has been over 20 years since a Queen’s Bench judge has lived here.

County of Grande Prairie council also voted in favour of sending a letter of support on the city’s position at its meeting Monday.

Clayton says many other community stakeholders also back the city’s push.

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“It’s been long overdue. Myself and Councillor (Kevin) O’Toole had a discussion with the minister (Madu) about a week ago and through discussion with council, it’s such a high priority that we decided it is time to clearly document the needs in our community and send a letter.”

Clayton says she and O’Toole also advocated for a drug treatment court during that call with Madu.

County Reeve Leanne Beaupre says the County’s reasons for wanting this are similar to the city’s.

“It provides our residents and the people that are using those services with a more efficient delivery of time and of money as well.”

City council included this in its 2021 Council Priorities Advocacy list that was approved at its meeting on April 5.