Province looks to improve criminal justice system in Kitchener-Waterloo and Guelph

Some changes are coming to our criminical justice system in hopes of reducing time-to-trial and improving the bail system.

Attorney General Yasir Naqvi and Kitchener Centre MPP Daiene Vernile announced the provincial plan Monday.

Waterloo Region Bail Program Executive Director Robert Davis says “We are pleased to be part of an initiative that will decrease unnecessary incarceration for low-risk individuals involved with the criminal justice system. Expanding the Waterloo Region Bail Verification and Supervision program will make it possible for clients suffering with mental health and addiction concerns to be safely released into the community, creating a fairer criminal justice system.”

The province’s plan includes:

– Funding 10 new bail beds at the House of Friendship in Kitchener
– Hiring one new dedicated bail vettor Crown attorney in Kitchener-Waterloo
– Assigning one new duty counsel bail coordinator to the Kitchener courthouse
– Hiring two new assistant Crown attorneys to help reduce time-to-trial in Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph and the surrounding region
– Enhancing the existing Bail Verification and Supervision Program provided by the Waterloo Region Bail Program in Kitchener-Waterloo
– Expanding the Bail Verification and Supervision Program to Guelph to provide supervision to low-risk individuals who have been released on bail.

House of Friendship Executive Director John Neufeld says, “We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the province in piloting the Bail Beds program in Waterloo Region. This program, with its opportunity to provide enhanced services and support for vulnerable individuals who come into contact with the law, allows us to build on what we are already doing. By creating a stronger support system through this partnership, individuals will achieve stability and belonging in the community, and decrease recidivism for the long term success of each individual.”

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