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Bill C-57

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RECOMMENDATION

His Excellency the Governor General recommends to the House of Commons the appropriation of public revenue under the circumstances, in the manner and for the purposes set out in a measure entitled ``An Act to amend the Nunavut Act with respect to the Nunavut Court of Justice and to amend other Acts in consequence''.

SUMMARY

In response to a request made to the Minister of Justice by the parties to the Nunavut Political Accord entered into on October 30, 1992, and with the support of other Nunavut organizations, this enactment creates a single-level trial court system for the Territory of Nunavut in order to provide an efficient and accessible court structure capable of responding to the unique needs of Nunavut while, at the same time, maintaining substantive and procedural rights equivalent to those enjoyed elsewhere in Canada.

It amends the Nunavut Act to establish a single-level trial court, at the superior court level, to be known as the Nunavut Court of Justice.

It amends the Judges Act to provide for three superior court judges on the Nunavut Court of Justice and also to provide for full membership in the Canadian Judicial Council for the senior judge of each of the territories.

It amends the Criminal Code to provide for new structures and procedures for the Nunavut Court of Justice in the following areas:

    - jurisdiction of the judges;

    - summary conviction appeals;

    - a new statutory form of review;

    - judicial interim release; and

    - elections as to mode of trial.

It amends the Young Offenders Act to ensure adequate structures and procedures for a single-level trial court, consistent with the new structures and procedures in the Criminal Code.

It also makes consequential amendments to various other federal statutes.