TORONTO, April 7, 2009 – The Honourable James M. Flaherty, Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced $102,700 in federal funding to the Ontario Justice Education Network.
This funding will support the Ontario Justice Education Network in creating the "Aboriginal Justice Education Project." This project will provide Aboriginal youth in Northern Ontario with a better understanding of the justice system through mock trial exercises, discussion sessions in high-schools, and a greater availability of resource material. At the same time, the project will address the need for stronger relationships between justice sector professionals and all members of Aboriginal communities.
"I am pleased to offer our Government's support for programs such as this one that inform youth about our justice system," said Minister Flaherty. "By continuing to invest in such programs, the Government of Canada is promoting positive interactions with the justice system, strengthening communities, and ultimately providing greater hope and opportunity for Aboriginal youth."
The Ontario Justice Education Network is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting understanding, education, and dialogue, in support of a justice system that is inclusive and responsive.
The investment highlighted today falls under the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program, administered by the Department of Justice Canada, which supports activities that respond to the changing conditions affecting Canadian justice policy.
For more information on the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program: http://www.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/pb/prog/jpif.html.
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Ref.:
Darren Eke
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621
Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207
