ST. JOHN’S: Some of the busiest courthouses in Newfoundland and Labrador have been unexpectedly closed due to severe staff shortages, causing disruption across the province’s justice system. The closures include the Provincial Court in St. John’s, as well as two of the province’s traveling circuit courts located in Bay Verte and Port aux Basques.
The closure of the St. John’s Provincial Court is expected to last until December 31. The shutdown of the traveling circuit courts is forcing criminal defendants and witnesses to travel greater distances to attend proceedings.
Jerry Earle, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE), which represents the Sheriff’s Officers, stated that the crisis stems from a critical lack of Sheriff’s Officers. He emphasized that the shortage has been a long-standing issue within the provincial justice system, noting that current staffing levels stand at only 80%.
Meanwhile, Provincial Justice Minister Helen Conway-Ottenheimer confirmed that she met with the Chief and Associate Chief Judges of the Provincial Court on Monday to address the crisis in the justice system. The Minister also indicated that a follow-up meeting is scheduled for January. Minister Conway-Ottenheimer stressed that the courts retain full authority over scheduling and case management.
