B.C.’s fourth Justice Summit focuses on violence against women

November 29, 2014

VANCOUVER – British Columbia’s fourth Justice Summit wrapped up today after two days of meetings which focused on improving how the justice system responds to violence against women.

The summit brought together about 80 leaders from the judiciary, the legal profession, policing, victim services, corrections, community and advocacy organizations, First Nations groups, the academic community, and the provincial government. This diverse group of participants met at the University of British Columbia to identify ways to address issues related to domestic violence and sexual violence.

A report detailing the discussions will be delivered early in the new year to Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton and the Chief Justices and Chief Judge of the Province’s three courts.

The Justice Reform and Transparency Act requires that a Justice Summit be held at least once a year to encourage innovation and collaboration across the justice and public safety sector. The summits are intended to bring together justice system leaders to discuss various aspects of the justice system. The summits offer attendees an opportunity for constructive dialogue around the current and future functioning of the justice and public safety sector.

This is the fourth B.C. Justice Summit. At the first two Justice Summits, held in March and November 2013, leaders from across the justice and public safety sector discussed British Columbia’s criminal justice system; the third Summit, in May 2014, addressed the family justice sector.

Learn more about B.C.’s Justice Summits: http://www.justicebc.ca/en/rm/summits.html

Media Contacts:
Ministry of Justice
Government Communication and Public Engagement
250 953-3196

Supreme Court of British Columbia
Heidi McBride
Legal Counsel
604 660-2750

Court of Appeal for British Columbia
Sally Rudolf
Legal Counsel
604 660-0352

Provincial Court of British Columbia
Gene Jamieson, Q.C.
Legal Officer
604 660-2864