These represent concrete steps to streamline and develop more accessible ways of resolving disputes. If we look at the criminal justice system more and more Albertans are telling us to put more emphasis on crime prevention. We are making good progress on crime prevention. Two days ago, Jon Havelock and I announced funding for seven new, community-based crime prevention projects in Alberta. What s important about these projects is not just that they will help prevent crime in our communities, but that they have been developed and will be run at the local level by people who know and care about their community.
Crime prevention is where the criminal justice system begins.
We would never say that health issues first concern us when we are rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Our social health is no different we must prevent social conditions or circumstances that lead to anti-social, criminal behaviour. We must not forget that victims do not ask to become part of the criminal justice system. They are thrust into it and once in it, they deserve to participate in the administration of justice with dignity and respect. At a minimum, they deserve the information they want and the support and legal protection they need.