Bryant visits North Bay's courthouse

Attorney General Michael Bryant met with Nipissing MPP Monique Smith and local court workers to discuss judicial issues.

Attorney General Michael Bryant toured North Bay’s courthouse Tuesday morning.

Bryant met with Nipissing MPP Monique Smith, judges, bar, victim service providers, court service workers and police to discuss local justice issues.

“It is good to meet here with a group of people that work together,” Bryant said.

One issue brought up was court security costs. These costs have been downloaded to municipalities from the province.

“The court security isn’t going to go back in the hands of the provincial government,” Bryant said.

“But that doesn’t mean that we can’t do our best to provide assistance to local communities.”

He explained that the Minister of Community Safety and Parliament are looking into ways that the government can provide assistance to municipalities for their security needs.

“By being here, I get to hear exactly what the needs are,” he said.

Smith explained that there were also requests made to have courthouse technology improved as well as improving court reporting.

“We want to see how we can improve the work that is being done,” she said.

“To make sure that all of our court services run as smoothly as possible.”

Bryant said his visit was a chance to “listen and learn,“ and no promises were made on any issues discussed.

“There will no doubt be opportunities to come back here,” he explained

“And maybe provide responses to some of the requests that were made.”

He explained that his visit will provide the opportunity to “import what works in North Bay” to other areas in the province.

“There is lots that can be learned from the way the judicial system works here.”