Government of Yukon
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FOR RELEASE #08-191
August 5, 2008
Department of Justice and CYFN Release Corrections Act Consultation Progress Report
WHITEHORSE – Minister of Justice Marian C. Horne has released the progress report on the Corrections Act consultation.
“In conjunction with the Council of Yukon First Nations, we have asked the public to assist us in re-writing this significant legislation. Yukoners have responded,” Horne said. “We look forward to turning their recommendations into an Act that allows us to offer opportunities for healing and hope for change through the correctional system.”
The 200-page document includes a summary of what was heard during the first six months of the consultation. Approximately 220 Yukoners took part in the consultation.
The consultation will continue throughout the fall and winter.
The Corrections Act and Regulations will incorporate the wishes of Yukoners to create a healing-based correctional system incorporating best practices used across Canada that will ensure security in the community.
Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Andy Carvill said the ongoing work between the Department of Justice and Yukon’s First Nations is critical for the healing of people in the correctional system.
“Nearly 75 per cent of the people involved in the correctional system are of First Nation descent. I urge all Yukon First Nations to continue to work to find new ways of helping our people to stay out of the correctional system and to support them after they return to their community,” Carvill said.
A draft copy of the Corrections Act and Regulations will be available for public comment in September. Comments on this draft will be accepted until January 30, 2009.
The Act is scheduled to be introduced in the Legislature in spring 2009.
The Corrections Act Consultation Progress Report is online at www.justice.gov.yk.ca under What’s New.
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Contact:
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications 867-633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Christopher Ross Communications, Justice 867-393-7081 chris.ross@gov.yk.ca |
Hazel Buffalo Robe CYFN Implementation Officer 867-667-3226 hazel.buffalorobe@gov.yk.ca |