The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer, Minister of Justice and Public Safety:

 Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the John Howard Society in Newfoundland and Labrador.

I was honoured to recently sign an official proclamation recognizing March 1 to 7 as John Howard Society Week.

This annual week of recognition highlights the vital work of the John Howard Society in supporting individuals in the criminal justice system, promoting community safety, and advancing restorative justice initiatives across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Speaker, the John Howard Society has been a strong advocate for people on criminal justice issues. We value the great partnership my Department of Justice and Public Safety has with the John Howard Society and look forward to continued collaboration to make communities safer. I commend the efforts of Executive Director Melissa Noseworthy and the rest of the team.

The challenges faced by those who are supported by the John Howard Society are real, and we are committed to working to find solutions so that those involved with the criminal justice system have the necessary supports to meet those challenges.

Speaker, this year the John Howard Society is celebrating its 75th anniversary and I ask all Honourable Members to join me in acknowledging the work of the John Howard Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Thank you.