The Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, is pleased with the House of Assembly’s passage of Bill 21.

This Bill includes legislative changes that will allow for the expansion of the Family Division of the Supreme Court to the whole Island of Newfoundland. Having the Supreme Court responsible for all family justice matters for the island portion of the province should assist the Provincial Court in addressing the criminal justice issues it handles.

By expanding the Unified Family Court model, there will be access to a single, specialized court for all family matters. This is intended to lead to more efficient court appearances, more timely decisions, and better access to support services. For families in central Newfoundland that means they will no longer have to navigate two courts. All family matters – divorce, parenting, support, property – will be heard in the Family Division.

Residents of the central region of the island will have improved access to family law services through the Family Division of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador; this will be the same service as is provided in other parts of the island.

The changes to the Judicature Act will not come into force until April 1, 2027 to ensure the Supreme Court has the appropriate time to work with the Provincial Court on the transfer of jurisdiction to the entire island portion of the province.

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“These amendments are another way that our government is supporting the operations of the courts in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our government is committed to working with the Supreme Court and Provincial Court on any legislative efforts to improve timely access to justice for all of us.”
Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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