Family violence court could be revived in different form
The Newfoundland and Labrador government says it's working on bringing back some version of the family violence intervention court, which was axed in the last budget.
Government has been under fire from the opposition and critics since the $500,000 court project was cut in 2013.
The court offered counselling for complainants, as well interventions for the accused.
New Democrat MHA Gerry Rogers on Thursday asked members of government to stand in the House of Assembly in her bid to reinstate the family violence court.
"I ask who on the other side of this house will stand up for the needs of the women and children victims of violence in their districts, and insist government reinstate the court immediately?" Rogers said.
In response, a number of members of the Tory caucus rose from their seats.
"The demonstration by the caucus on this side of the house demonstrates we'll all stand up for people, Mr. Speaker. Every one of us do," said Premier Paul Davis.
Davis later said he wants to make sure a family violence intervention court would serve the entire province, so government is looking at other options.
"How's a way that we can deliver that, what are the implications to it, what are the benefits to it, what are the challenges to it, all of that are considerations we have to make," said Davis.
He added government is looking at technologies to allow areas outside of St. John's to receive similar services.
Davis said there isn't a set time line on when the government will present the option it thinks will work best.