TITLE> IMPROVING THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN PEMBROKE

PEMBROKE, Ont., July 4 /CNW/ Lanark Renfrew MPP Leo Jordan today
announced the construction of a new consolidated court facility in Pembroke on
behalf of Attorney General Charles Harnick the seventh new court facility
announced by the province in the last 12 months.
``Our goal is to serve people more efficiently and faster and provide
easier access to the justice system,'' said Mr. Jordan. ``This new court
facility will benefit local court users, taxpayers and the City of Pembroke
and is consistent with the government's goal of improving the justice system.
This project will also create an estimated 100 construction jobs.''
The province will spend $5.3 million to expand and renovate the existing
governmentowned court facility at 297 Pembroke Street East in order to
consolidate Provincial and General Division courts. Four new courtrooms will
be added, bringing the City of Pembroke's total to five.
With this announcement, the government has now committed almost $200
million towards the construction of new court facilities across the province,
making Ontario the clear leader among all other provinces in investment in
this area.
Confirming that construction will begin in spring 1998, Mr. Jordan said
that the investment in a new court facility in Pembroke is a key step in the
government's plan to improve justice services and bring Ontario's justice
system into the 21st century.
``The existing court facilities in Pembroke no longer meet the public's
needs. For too long now, court users have suffered overcrowding and inadequate
security,'' Mr. Jordan noted. ``Bringing services under one roof will improve
the administration of justice in Pembroke and will save taxpayers
approximately $200,000 per year in lease costs.''
``This is another example of the Harris government's commitment to
improving the administration of justice. Leo Jordan must be commended for his
efforts and commitment to improving court services in Renfrew County,'' added
Attorney General Charles Harnick.
Joining Mr. Jordan for the announcement were Renfrew Mayor Howard Haramis
and Pembroke Mayor Les Scott.
Mayor Haramis said, ``I appreciate that the government has recognized the
needs of Renfrew County by investing in improvements to our justice system. I
would especially like to thank Attorney General Charles Harnick and MPP Leo
Jordan for their efforts in making this happen.''
Added Mayor Scott, ``This investment will result in positive spinoffs
for our community in terms of employment. As well, justice will be much better
served with this new facility.''
The new facility will feature barrierfree access for people with
disabilities as well as enhanced security measures to provide greater safety
for court users. These include separate paths to court for the judiciary,
police, public and prisoners; an audio surveillance system; and a closed
circuit television system. This expanded courthouse will also enable more
efficient trial scheduling and administration.
Occupancy is set for spring 1999.

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For further information: Andrew Juby, Office of MPP Leo Jordan,
(416) 3256957; Barry Wilson, Ministry of the Attorney General, Minister's
Office, (416) 3264443; Howard Haramis, Mayor, Town of Renfrew,
(613) 4324848; Les Scott, Mayor, City of Pembroke, (613) 7356821; Pat
Carozzi, Ontario Realty Corporation, (416) 3264853

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