‘Should have been inclusive’: AMC says province failed to consult on bail reform plan
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) says the province failed to consult with First Nations leadership on the bail reform strategy it rolled out last week.
AMC Grand Chief Cathy Merrick says her organization was not involved in the development of the five-point plan, which is aimed at cracking down on repeat offenders through new guidelines for Crown prosecutors and funding for more police officers and bail workers.
Merrick says that is a violation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, which requires Indigenous representatives have input on new legislation that affects them.
Merrick says there is a well-documented overrepresentation of First Nations in the justice system, so input from the 62 First Nations AMC represents is necessary.
“This is something that I believe should have been inclusive of the AMC, to be able to speak to and to be able to ensure that our people are spoken for through this process to be able to educate, to be able to provide information,” Merrick said in an interview with CTV News Winnipeg.
The assembly says the proposed plan lacks a rehabilitative focus and doesn't address the underlying issues of crime.
Merrick sent two letters to the government in regards to the new strategy, and is waiting to hear back.
When asked for comment, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe wouldn't say if First Nations were consulted on the plan, but says consultations are ongoing.
He says last week's announcement was just the first step in the process.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ontario to ban use of cellphones in school classrooms starting in September
Ontario is introducing a suite of measures that will crack down on cellphone use and vaping in schools.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000
Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Laurentian University to spend millions on recommendations in second budget post insolvency, but nothing new to reopen pool
Laurentian University's board of governors approved a budget of just over $201.7 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.
Dozens in Italy give a fascist salute on the anniversary of Mussolini's execution
Dozens of people raised their arms in the fascist salute and shouted a fascist chant during ceremonies Sunday to honor Italian dictator Benito Mussolini on the 79th anniversary of his execution.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Zendaya tennis movie ‘Challengers’ scores at weekend box office
Zendaya and castmates Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor have been on a globetrotting press tour to get the word out about Italian director Luca Guadagnino's original film, which opened in 3,477 locations in the U.S. and Canada.