Alberta pauses proposed traffic court changes for up to 120 days
Alberta is pausing a move to Phase 2 of the Provincial Administrative Penalties Act and Justice Transformation Initiative next month, which would have replaced traffic court with an online process.
"We have heard the concerns Albertans raised when a training document was reported on. It’s important that people understand the training document did not reflect what the program is and what the benefits are for Albertans," read a joint statement from Transportation Minister Rajan Sawhney and acting Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Sonya Savage.
"We will take the next 90 to 120 days to ensure that we communicate and consult with Albertans and they are educated on the changes proposed in Phase 2. We will listen to what Albertans have to say and we will share the benefits of these changes with them."
The changes were proposed to streamline the process and free up more court and policing resources, according to the government, but the plan drew sharp criticism.
"In essence what it is that, instead of you having the right to a trial, you do not get to go to trial. Instead of being presumed innocent until proven guilty, you're presumed guilty until proven innocent," Charlie Pester, a former police officer who currently fights traffic tickets with POINTTS Calgary earlier told CTV News.
The province said about two million traffic tickets would be diverted away from court by the move, freeing up at least 10 prosecutors who would be able to handle criminal matters instead.
“We’re spending $10 million to hire 50 new prosecutors and support staff, and prioritizing their placement to better serve rural Albertans," read the statement.
"We’ve introduced remote hearings, trials, and sentencings, and allowed for the email filing of court documents. What is clear is the status quo is not working. It’s not working for our police who are caught up for hours waiting in courts. It’s not working for our court system that is forced to delay serious criminal matters to address speeding tickets. And, it’s not working for those Albertans living with the consequences of crime in their lives and communities."
The statement added "Albertans will always have the right to challenge tickets, and due process under the law."
"Albertans will always have the ability to dispute fines or make their payments quickly and efficiently," it read.
"Our government is committed to ensuring that we fix the very real problem facing our justice system. We need our police to fight crime, not sit in courtrooms; and we need our courts to prosecute real criminals."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Biden scores endorsements from Kennedy family, looking to shore up support against Trump and RFK Jr.
U.S. President Joe Biden will accept endorsements from at least 15 members of the Kennedy political family during a campaign stop in Philadelphia on Thursday as he aims to undermine Donald Trump and marginalize the candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.
When new leaders took over in ancient Maya, they didn't just bury the former royals. They burned their bodies in public
New archeological investigations in Guatemala reveal that the ancient Maya people had a ritual of burning royal human remains as a public display of political regime change.
Party's over: Coyotes play final game as Arizona franchise before move to Salt Lake City
Mullett Arena buzzed like few times in the two years since the Arizona Coyotes moved in, the fans amped for one last desert hurrah.