Legal Aid Ontario – Aneurin Thomas

THUNDER BAY – Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation (NALSC) have launched a Gladue report program thanks to funding from Legal Aid Ontario (LAO). The funding will allow NALSC to hire three Gladue report writers, based out of Thunder Bay, Timmins and Sioux Lookout.

Aneurin Thomas from Legal Aid Ontario explains a little more on the program in this audio interview with NetNewsLedger.

Gladue reports detail the unique life circumstances of First Nation, Métis and Inuit people charged with offences and offer sentencing recommendations. Courts use these reports to consider alternatives to incarceration, such restorative justice initiatives and other community-based Aboriginal programs.

“The Gladue workers will be instrumental in reducing the number of accused held in pre-trial custody. At the sentencing stage, judges will get the support they need to ensure the legislation which mandates seeking alternatives to incarceration, such as restorative justice, is applied in a meaningful way. In more serious cases, sentences can be tailored to address healing,” Celina Reitberger, Executive Director of Nishnawabe-Aski Legal Services Corporation.

“We hope this new investment will help serve Aboriginal clients better. Improving access to Gladueservices is an important aspect of Legal Aid Ontario’s Aboriginal Justice Strategy,” John McCamus, Legal Aid Ontario Chair.

Video by netnewsledger