Quebec's top judges pledge to curb court delays

Quebec is working to speed up access to its courts, with a new plan put forward by JusticeMinisterStphanie Valle, along with the province's top judges and lawyers.

They announced 22 measures to improve efficiency within the justice system.

"It's not a question of numbers. It's question of how we do things, how we address an issue," Valle said.

"Can we be more efficient? The message we are sending is, 'Yes, we can.'"

• Supreme Court sets new deadlines for completing trials

Some of the measures include getting paperwork done earlier and more quickly,bringing backretired judges to handle administrative tasks related to some casesand making use ofalternative measures to the courtsfor certain infractions.

There is no plan to hire more staff, however.

Supreme Court rapped 'culture of complacency'

In a decisionlast July, the Supreme Court of Canadaset new rules foran accused's rightto be tried within a reasonable time frame, which included the use of restorative justice and therapeutic or alternative courts for people dealing with mental health issues.

Superior Court cases will now have up to 30 months to be completed,from the time the charge is laid to the conclusion of a trial.

Provincial court trials should be completed within18 months of charges being laid, but can be extended to 30 months if there is a preliminary inquiry.

"A culture of complacency towards delay has emerged in the criminal justice system," admonished the high court in its ruling.

"The Supreme Court told us we have to pick up our pace," said the Court of Quebec's chief judge, Elizabeth Corte, saying she is confident everyone is willing to work together to improve the system.

"The earlier you are ready to proceed, the earlier you have all facts, the earlier it will be settled," said Quebec Superior Court Chief Justice Jacques Fournier.

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