Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones says the revelation of a court security report existing and not acted upon, nor released by the provincial government is a sad day for the justice system and for accountability in this province.

Jones was reacting to a CBC media report that a document prepared four years ago on the need for security in court was kept confidential and not even the current minister of justice was aware of its existence until it emerged from hiding.

“I am appalled that a Government could commission a costly report on such an important issue as security in our courtrooms and then bury it without acting on it,” says Jones. “Why was this report never released when the justice system is crying out for more security related measures?”

Jones says that to minimize and dismiss the security concerns of public workers and the public, who work in and avail of the court system, is scandalous. “We are very concerned with this matter in light of the multiple security incidents and reports, including the recent incidents in Labrador and St. John’s where court security was breached.

The Opposition Leader says this is a government who babbles on about accountability, but cannot walk the path they set for themselves in 2003. “Report after report has failed to make it to the light of day; or reports have been released well after the committed 30 day deadline and or the 60 day action plan response as promised by the Premier.

“Six years into their mandate and this government still remains unaccountable, and now fatigued it seems. An escaped 4 year old report, the only province without such a security system and a minister not on top of his department does not inspire any confidence in the justice system in Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s time for them to get their act together.”

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