Minister Wilson-Raybould Visits New Zealand to Meet Prime Minister John Key and Learn About Justice System

OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 08/28/16 -- Department of Justice Canada

Canada and New Zealand share a common historical heritage and many current challenges including how the two justice systems serve their people.

Today, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould began an official trip to New Zealand that will include meetings with the Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key, the Attorney General, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Health, senior members of the Judiciary, the Mayor of Christchurch, and Maori leaders. Minister Wilson-Raybould was invited to represent Canada as part of the New Zealand Prime Minister's Fellowship Program.

Topics to be discussed during her bilateral meetings include the criminal justice system, the Canadian inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, how the criminal justice system addresses gaps in services to Indigenous peoples, and the over representation of Indigenous people as both accused and victims in the criminal justice system.

Minister Wilson-Raybould will take the opportunity to conduct a round-table meeting with government officials on justice-related issues. She will also meet with Waitangi Tribunal Members, Ngai Tahu leaders on the South Island, and will travel to the Te Urewera territory to meet with Tuhoe leadership.

Quick Facts

--  Canada has been a participating country in the New Zealand Prime    Minister's Fellowship Program since 2010.--  Canada and New Zealand have a close historic relationship on matters of    security and justice and are both members of the Quintet of Attorneys    General and Justice Ministers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the    United Kingdom, and the United States.--  New Zealand has taken steps to reduce the high rates of incarceration of    indigenous offenders in its jurisdiction through an enhanced reliance    upon restorative justice approaches.

Quotes

"I am fortunate to participate in the Fellowship Program of the Prime Minister of New Zealand. I look forward to learning how New Zealand's criminal justice system works and hope to bring home to Canada a new perspective on how another country's legal system serves its people as Canada engages in a comprehensive criminal justice system review."

The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

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Contacts:Joanne GhizOffice of the Minister of Justice613-992-4621Media Relations OfficeDepartment of Justice613-957-4207

Source: Department of Justice Canada

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