Oct 19, 2016

National Newswatch – Michael MacDonald, Canadian Press

Atlantic Canada cheers ‘historic’ nomination of Newfoundlander to Supreme Court

Malcolm Rowe, a provincial Court of Appeal justice, has been named to the Supreme Court of Canada. The announcement has served to assure the Atlantic Canada legal and civil society that Atlantic Canada has a voice. Ray Wagner, spokesman for the Atlantic Provinces Trial Lawyers Association: “Atlantic Canadians are very quick to pick up on losses of power. Because of our small population, we don’t have a large power base to fall back on. Losing a seat on the Supreme Court of Canada would resonate with Atlantic Canadians.” The next appointment is expected in 2018. Observers anticipate that the appointment will move on without much controversy or opposition. http://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2016/10/17/atlantic-canada-cheers-historic-nomination-of-newfoundlander-to-supreme-court-2/#.WAVEf_nyuUk Related article: Ottawa Citizen – Kady O’Malley So, the PM has nominated a new Supreme Court judge. What happens now? http://ottawacitizen.com/news/politics/kady-so-the-pm-has-nominated-a-new-supreme-court-judge-what-happens-now?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter Related article: Toronto Star – Tonda MacCharles Trudeau names Malcolm Rowe as first Newfoundland judge on Supreme Court of Canada https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/10/17/trudeau-names-malcolm-rowe-as-the-first-newfoundland-judge-to-the-supreme-court-of-canada.html Related article: Globe and Mail – Chris Hannay and Rob Gilroy Rare insight into the thoughts of Trudeau’s first Supreme Court pick http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/asdf/article32408691/

Blogger Russell Webster (UK)

New app helps offenders desist from crime

The Parole Board of Northern Ireland has an app to help when potential offenders are tempted, again. Offered by both the Justice and the Health Ministry, the app is called “Changing Lives.” When offenders are struggling with their addictions or their mental health, the app delivers instantly an array of options available for assistance with the particular problem. The app is in response to the 70% of offenders who have addictions and the further 30% with mental health problems. The app also delivers help for people considering suicide. http://www.russellwebster.com/new-app-helps-offenders-desist-from-crime/

CBC News – Neil MacDonald

Let’s not kid ourselves, Canada is in the war business: Why the Canadian government hasn’t criticized Saudi Arabia for its brutal attacks in Yemen

Canada is yet in the middle of a controversy involving the sale of armored personnel carriers to countries with deplorable human rights records. Saudi Arabia seems to use these vehicles in Yemen. MacDonald thinks that the federal government silence around Yemen is the middle of the road for good business vs human rights. http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/saudi-arabia-arms-deal-canada-macdonald-1.3810952 Related article: Canada.com – Michael Den Tandt Unjustified level of secrecy surrounding Canada’s role in the war against ISIL http://www.canada.com/news/national/michael+tandt+unjustified+level+secrecy+surrounding+canada+role/12295132/story.html

CBC News – John Paul Tasker

Historic land deal with Algonquin peoples signed by federal, Ontario governments – Agreement in principle involves more than $300M, roughly 36,000 square kilometres of land

The deal seems to be an agreement in principle but both sides are expecting considerable negotiation over an extended period of time. The deal involves a three way consent for the transfer of 36,000 sq km of territory and $300 million, the floor rather than the ceiling says Kirby Whiteduck, the chief of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, the largest First Nations reserve in the territory. http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ottawa-ontario-algonquin-agreement-in-principle-1.3809876

Toronto Star – Hina Alam

Broad support in poll for $15 federal minimum wage

Many who focus on income inequality look to an increase in the minimum wage as a means to both lift people out of poverty and to redress the considerable discrepancy in income. The new survey says that 63% of Canadians are supportive of the $15 / hr. But say the experts and economists such a move would likely depress the job opportunity for youth and those trying to get into the work place. The current minimum wage varies by province from $10.50 in Newfoundland to $13 in Nunavut. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/10/19/broad-support-in-poll-for-15-federal-minimum-wage.html Direct poll results: http://poll.forumresearch.com/post/2614/two-thirds-approval-for-%2415-national-minimum-wage/

National Restorative Justice Symposium 2016 –

Hosted by the Nova Scotia Restorative Justice Program, the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, and the Schulich School of Law

Halifax – Nov. 21, 22 – Early Bird deadline Oct. 27

Historic judge…