A message from the Honourable Dave Hancock

The last few months have been exciting for my colleagues and me. On March 12, Albertans gave our government's plan a resounding vote of confidence. A few days later, Premier Klein announced his new cabinet and unveiled changes to our government's structure to better serve Albertans.

With the transfer of policing and corrections to the new Ministry of Solicitor General, the role and responsibilities of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General have changed. Our efforts are now focused on Alberta law, prosecutions, our courts and ensuring that our justice system meets the needs of Albertans. The Justice department will also continue to protect the legal interests of vulnerable Albertans through the Maintenance Enforcement Program, public trustee services and its support for legal aid.

I'm pleased that my long-time caucus colleague, the Honourable Heather Forsyth, was named Solicitor General of Alberta. I had the pleasure of working with Minister Forsyth on the Protection for Children Involved in Prostitution Act. Her dedication in bringing forth that bill is a fine example of the vision and commitment she'll bring to the Solicitor General portfolio.

In the coming year we have much important work to do. Last year, the Unified Family Court Task Force looked at ways to make the court process more accessible and easier to understand for families. With the input provided by Albertans, the task force provided recommendations designed to improve access to the courts and help ensure our family law system meets the needs of Albertans. We now have to address these recommendations and create the most effective family court system possible.

Our department will also lead a thorough review of all of Alberta's family law. This review will include topics like termination of relationships, spousal and child support, guardianship, custody and access. These are important issues that affect thousands of citizens, which is why we will ensure Albertans have ample opportunity to provide their input. The review also gives us the opportunity to deal sensitively with the issues around personal relationships, particularly where economic dependency is involved, which are increasingly being directed to us by the courts.

A trademark of the Klein government is its commitment to innovation over complacency and creativity over the status quo. I believe that during the past few years we have successfully brought this vision to Alberta's justice system. I also believe that only by working together — within Alberta Justice and with our partners at Alberta Solicitor General — we will ensure this vision endures and succeeds in keeping Alberta communities safe and strong in the years to come.

Dave Hancock, Q.C.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General