Proceedings of the Standing Senate Committee on
Legal and Constitutional Affairs

Issue 56 - Twenty-First Report of the Committee

THURSDAY, February 18, 1999

The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs has the honour to present its

TWENTY-FIRST REPORT

Your committee, to which was referred Bill C-57, An Act to amend the Nunavut Act with respect to the Nunavut Court of Justice and to amend other Acts in consequence, has, in obedience to the Order of Reference of Thursday, December 10, 1998, examined the said Bill and now reports the same without amendment.

Your committee does, however, feel it is important to underscore certain issues concerning the context in which the Nunavut Court of Justice is to operate. Your committee is of the view that the fair administration and implementation of justice in the new territory of Nunavut requires great vigilance. Your committee considers this to be particularly the case in respect of the appointment and training of justices of the peace, who will play a pivotal role in the Nunavut justice system. It is equally essential that minority rights be protected in all other areas of justice delivery.

Respectfully submitted,

LORNA MILNE

Chair