Appointing Cree-speaking Justice of the Peace for Mushkegowuk Region

Resolution No. 2019-10-13

Appointing Cree Speaking Justice of the Peace for Mushkegowuk Region

WHEREAS, Mushkegowuk communities have maintained a nation-to-nation relationship with Ontario and Canada; and

WHEREAS, Mushkegowuk communities have an inherent right of self-governance, especially with respect to matters of justice, and law and order; and

WHEREAS, all bail hearings for accused persons from Mushkegowuk communities are all held in Timmins and Cochrane; and thus, accused are deprived of the support systems provided by family and community; and

WHEREAS, sureties for accused persons from Mushkegowuk communities oftentimes cannot appear in-person to testify at bail hearings, placing the accused person at a disadvantage; and

WHEREAS, Indigenous accused in Northern communities, in particular those facing language barriers, are more likely to plead guilty if they are denied bail, leading to a higher incidence of wrongful convictions and incarceration; and

WHEREAS, the Mushkegowuk Council believes that appointing a Cree-speaking Justice of the Peace for Mushkegowuk people will increase access to justice for accused persons from Mushkegowuk communities, and benefit these communities as a whole,

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mushkegowuk Council will request that the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario create a post for an Indigenous, Cree-speaking Justice-of­the-Peace for the Mushkegowuk territory.

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