The provincial government has proposed a new bill that will lay out new areas of mandatory training for those wish to serve as judges in the Provincial Court or justices of the peace.
In a release today, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced the new training would intimate partner violence, coercive control and the experiences of Indigenous persons and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. This would be legislated into effect by Bill 41, which would “expand continuing education requirements” for prospective judges.
“Training in intimate partner violence, coercive control and the experience of Indigenous persons and 2SLGBTQIA+ community would help ensure that everyone feels respected in our justice system,” said Wiebe. “Manitoba would be among the leaders in Canada by requiring continuing education on these topics. I want to thank all the advocates who have worked tirelessly to enact Keira’s Law and acknowledge members of the judiciary who are committed to enhancing judicial education. Our government is dedicated to creating a more just system for all Manitobans.”
According to the province, the legislation would also set aside funding for seminars on these subjects for prospective judges to attend. These would be in addition to current requirements to participate in continuing education on sexual assault law and social context including systemic racism and systemic discrimination.
