November 13, 2015 - 2:27 PM
OTTAWA - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave his ministers their formal marching orders on Friday. Much of what their so-called mandate letters contained came straight from the Liberal campaign platform, but there were some fresh details.
Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould:
— Review litigation strategy to end appeals or positions that are not consistent with Liberal commitments, values, or the charter.
— Assess changes made in the criminal justice system and sentencing reforms over the last decade to ensure they increase community safety, provide value for money and are aligned with the objectives of the criminal justice system.
— Look at increased use of restorative justice processes and other initiatives to reduce the rate of incarceration amongst aboriginals.
— Implement the recommendations from the Ashley Smith inquest regarding the restriction of the use of solitary confinement and the treatment of those with mental illness.
— Modernize the criminal justice system in co-operation with the provinces and territories to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
— Explore sentencing alternatives and bail reform and the creation of a unified family court.
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale:
— Work with provinces and territories, indigenous peoples and municipalities to develop a comprehensive action plan to better predict, prepare for and respond to weather-related emergencies and natural disasters.
— Work with the minister of justice and the minister of indigenous and northern affairs to address gaps in services to aboriginals and those with mental illness throughout the criminal justice system.
Transport Minister Marc Garneau:
—Formalize a moratorium on crude oil tanker traffic on British Columbia's North Coast.
Development Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau:
— Carry on the previous government's maternal newborn child health initiative but to end a ban on funding projects that provide abortions.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2015