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By rdnewsNOW Staff
Alberta

Alberta government announces justice legislative agenda

Mar 9, 2023 | 4:45 PM

Alberta’s government says it is introducing a series of legislative amendments to strengthen the province’s justice system.

Stopping benefits to prolific violent offenders

The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service estimates that about 4,200 people qualify as prolific violent offenders on the run from police. Offences committed by the accused include murder, kidnapping, human trafficking and sexual offences against children.

Currently, says the government, prolific violent offenders who are on the run from the police may be entitled to receive income support. If the Red Tape Reduction Statutes Amendment Act, 2023 is passed, the Income and Employment Supports Act would be amended to close this loophole.

Strengthening Alberta’s trespass laws

The Petty Trespass Act and the Trespass to Premises Act, say government officials, would be amended to make it an offence for the federal government to enter onto private land, buildings or structures without authorization.

Elevating Alberta’s court

Alberta’s government says it has introduced legislation to change the title of judge to justice in the Provincial Court of Alberta. This proposed title change is described as part of a series of reforms initiated by Alberta’s government to strengthen and elevate the Provincial Court of Alberta, to be renamed Alberta Court of Justice, effective April 1.

“The amendments introduced take action to strengthen Alberta’s justice system by stopping benefits from going to prolific violent offenders, strengthening trespass laws and elevating Alberta’s court. These changes are part of a series of efforts that we have made over the course of our term in office to strengthen and reform the justice system,” says Tyler Shandro, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Alberta government quick facts

  • As of Feb. 8, the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service estimates that there are about 4,200 prolific violent offenders in Alberta with an outstanding warrant for arrest.
  • British Columbia and Manitoba have existing legislation enabling them to suspend provincial benefits to individuals with outstanding warrants, while Saskatchewan has introduced legislation.
  • Benefits that would be suspended include income support that is intended for basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter.
  • If the amendments pass, regulations would spell out exactly which offences would trigger benefit suspension.
  • Each year the provincial court handles more than 100,000 criminal cases, 17,000 family and child protection cases, and about 10,000 civil cases. With locations in 72 communities, the provincial court is the most accessible and affordable court system in Alberta.
  • Changing the title of judge to justice would make the provincial judicial title consistent with justices of Alberta’s Court of King’s Bench and the Court of Appeal of Alberta.
by rdnewsNOW Staff