Update on Remote and Indigenous Communities from the Action Committee on Court Operations in Response to COVID-19

The Action Committee on Court Operations in Response to COVID-19, which is co-chaired by Chief Justice of Canada Richard Wagner and federal Justice Minister David Lametti, recently published an update about what it has been doing to improve the justice system for northern, remote, and Indigenous communities:

"The Action Committee identified some of the common challenges and concerns for these communities, suggesting ideas for change, as well as key principles that should be reflected in any future response."

"The Action Committee is also of the view that any action taken to respond to the pandemic must be consistent with advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership as the foundation of transformative change."

The Action Committee is mandated to ensure that Canada’s chief justices, provincial and territorial ministers of justice, heads of court administration, and other officials responsible for the administration of justice are supported by the best available public health information, practices, and resources as they work to adapt and restore court operations in response to COVID-19.