Quebec is taking new measures to reduce court delays

After hiring new judges and staff at the Ministry of Justice, Quebec is taking additional steps to reduce court delays.

Among other things, justices of the peace are given new powers to dismiss Quebec court judges. Justices of the Peace can now conduct appearance and bail hearings.

The move should allow 15 to 20 Quebec court judges to be fired, Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barret said at a press conference in Montreal on Monday.

Quebec also wants to consider ways to open the door to mediation and “alternative dispute resolution.” For example, he wants to use video conferencing more.

“We are setting up virtual viewing centers all over Quebec. To give you an example, this is what happens over the weekend: you get arrested in Sherbrooke and go before a judge who may be in Drummondville with a clerk in Montreal. We do this seven days a week, with the cooperation of the court, to streamline the roles,” explained Jolin-Barrett.

The Action Committee includes the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Public Security, the Director of the Department of Criminal and Criminal Prosecution, and others. such as several stakeholders are involved.

An agreement reached between Jolin-Barrett and the former Chief Justice of the Quebec Court led to the reopening of the Quebec Table Court.

Their goal is to increase the efficiency of the justice system, increase access to justice and contribute to reducing court delays in criminal and criminal cases.

Activities are divided into five main objectives and about 40 measures.

They are hearing trials aimed at maximizing courtroom hearing time, expanding Quebec best practices and optimizing the use of available resources by freeing up the time of judges in the Criminal Chamber and Criminal Court of Quebec.

“Court delays are a source of concern for the DPCP and all its prosecutors, who make every effort on a daily basis to conduct their cases in accordance with them,” said Patrick Michel, director of the Department of Criminal and Prosecutions. “The development of this action plan reflects the consultation and commitment of all partners in the justice system towards this common goal.”

This work continues through regular working commissions and statutory meetings.

“Our legal aid system will often work to implement measures for the benefit of the most vulnerable litigants, as our commitment to more effective justice is based on our desire to create a justice system that is accessible to all, thereby strengthening confidence in the judiciary. it's a system,” said Daniel LaFrance, president of the Legal Services Commission.

This report from La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews.