Messages From...
Ron Stevens, Minister of
Over the past few months as Alberta’s new Minister of Justice and Attorney General, I have taken the opportunity to address a number of important justice-related issues, including the Supreme Court of Canada’s reference on the traditional definition of marriage. These opportunities have allowed me to focus on justice concerns and to voice my commitment to making the entire system work better—for employees, for partners and ultimately, for Albertans. This includes efforts to enhance relationships with the courts, to ensure that department staff have the tools they require to do the job, and to work in partnership with stakeholders on improving the justice system. As we move into the new fiscal year, the Ministry will continue in its efforts to meet Albertans’ justice needs through concentrating on important issues such as conditional sentencing, where Alberta’s position remains that people who are convicted of serious offences must face real jail time. Additionally, we will continue to work towards enhancing partnerships that provide Alternative Dispute Resolution and mediation programs, which assist Albertans to work out resolutions that meet their needs, early in the litigation process. The dedication and commitment of Alberta Justice staff is imperative in helping the Ministry to meet these challenges. I extend my appreciation to the many individuals who continue to produce high-quality and timely work. I look forward to my tenure as the Justice Minister and working with staff and justice partners to enhance Alberta’s justice system.
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Harvey Cenaiko,
Although new to the position, I have many years of experience in policing, government and community service. I spent 25 years with the Calgary Police Service as an undercover detective in drugs and criminal intelligence, an investigator in child abuse, sex crimes and homicide and as an Inspector in the Bureau of Community Policing. Since becoming an MLA in 2001, I have led or participated in numerous government committees and reviews looking into policing, ambulance services and child welfare legislation. I also introduced a private member’s bill to deter street prostitution. There are many challenges ahead, as well as new opportunities and initiatives in our ministry. This spring I hope to introduce legislation amending the Police Act. These amendments are based on recommendations accepted last year from the Government MLA review committee report and are concerned with equity, citizen oversight and provincial leadership. The amendments also address our First Nations police services by establishing the same operational responsibilities and authorities as other Alberta police services. My department is currently working on establishing a central training facility for police and peace officers as recommended by the MLA policing review. The department will also undertake two additional MLA reviews; one looking into the special constable program in Alberta and the other concerned with the private security industry, which includes private investigators and security guards. Both reviews will result in new legislation. In the coming months, I look forward to meeting and working with you and our stakeholders. Together, we will continue to provide Albertans excellence in areas such as policing, corrections, public security, crime prevention and victims services. |
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Terry Matchett,
A videoconference pilot project to increase courtroom safety and reduce delays in the docket court process, an on-line directory to improve Albertans’ access to justice programs and services, and the start of construction on the new Calgary Court Centre are but a few examples. Over the past several years, accomplishments such as these were achieved in large part because of the dedicated and innovative leadership of the former minister, Dave Hancock. I thank Minister Hancock for his support of the department and for the critical role he played in refocusing efforts to ensure the justice system was responsive to the needs of ordinary Albertans. On behalf of all staff, I welcome our new minister, Ron Stevens, an experienced and highly respected lawyer and legislator. I look forward to working with Minister Stevens to continue to find new ways to improve the department and the services provided to the public. As we move into the next fiscal year, the 2005-08 Alberta Justice Business Plan will be released. The plan identifies the department’s key priorities, goals and strategies that will guide us over the next three years. These include focusing on integrating a family justice strategy, expanding the use of technology in the courts, enhancing mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution programs, continuing partnerships to address family violence and improving Albertans’ understanding and confidence in the justice system. Under the leadership of Minister Stevens and by working with our partners, Alberta Justice will continue to provide a justice system that is trusted and supported by Albertans and responsive to their needs. |
Eric McGhan,
Our job at Alberta Solicitor General is to ensure that Albertans have more safe and secure communities in which to live, work and raise families. We do that by providing effective policing, security and correctional services and by assisting victims when a crime is committed. Members of the department have worked very hard throughout the year as we released and began implementation of the recommendations of the MLA reviews of policing, corrections and victims services. I congratulate and thank all department members for their work on these and all projects that make this an effective and dynamic department of government. As our Annual Report indicates we have achieved most of our performance targets, while some work remains to be done on a few. I know that through the dedication, creativity and professionalism of our staff and partners we will continue to improve our programs and services in helping Albertans feel safe and secure in their homes and communities. Your ideas and suggestions on how to improve our business are always welcome and I again encourage you to share those thoughts. Copies of the Annual Report are available on line at www.solgen.gov.ab.ca or by calling our Communications branch at 427-0900. I would like to wish former deputy minister Jim Nichols best wishes in his retirement and thank him for leaving me a department in such good shape. |
My early days as Minister have proved challenging and rewarding. 
It is a great honour to be your new Solicitor General. 
In 2004, with the support of skilled and dedicated staff, Alberta Justice worked with partners to launch new initiatives to improve the justice system. 
We have reached the end of another year and, as the 2003-04 Annual Report shows, it has been a year of great activity and progress. 
