ACTION PLAN FOR IMPROVING HEALTH, JUSTICE, PROSPERITY AND SAFETY IN SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatchewan residents will see improved health, justice, prosperity and safety in communities as a result of the provincial government's release today of the Action Plan called Creating a Healthy, Just, Prosperous and Safe Saskatchewan: A Response to the Commission on First Nations and Metis Peoples and Justice Reform.

"The provincial government is committed to working with communities and organizations to reduce crime and victimization in Saskatchewan neighbourhoods," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "Our Action Plan brings together initiatives that will help us achieve our vision of a province where all children grow up in healthy, safe and secure communities."

The Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice Reform released its final report in June 2004, with more than 100 recommendations to ensure safer communities across the province. In response, government has developed a long-term, integrated Action Plan to:

- Address the health, education and living standards of Aboriginal people;

- Ensure Aboriginal people are involved in all justice processes;

- Increase the use of alternatives to court and incarceration; and

- Ensure that our justice system treats all people with fairness and respect.

"The Saskatchewan Government is responding positively to the majority of recommendations put forward by the Commission," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Peter Prebble said. "More than $48 million will be invested by our Government in acting on the recommendations of the Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice Reform."

Copies of the complete government response are available at www.saskjustice.gov.sk.ca

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For More Information, Contact:

Andrew Dinsmore Justice/Corrections and Public Safety Regina Phone: (306) 787-8606