Paul Davis backtracks on Public Safety department name

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Paul Davis has renamed the Department of Public Safety, not two weeks after the new department absorbed the justice department.

In a news release Friday evening, Davis announced the newly named department would be renamed the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

"Recently, government changed the name of the Department of Justice to the Department of Public Safety, after hearing feedback from the general public regarding the need for government to have a greater focus on crime and the safety of citizens," Davis said in the statement.

"Stakeholders have since expressed some concern that the new department name may cause confusion. To address this, while also more clearly reflecting the attorney general responsibilities, we are incorporating the former departmental name (Justice) into the current title."

This week, the provincial branch of the Canadian Bar Association said it was seeking answers from government on why the former justice department was replaced.

"I can assure the public that we are committed to a strong justice system and safer communities. This new department name reflects that commitment. Our government will continue to listen to the residents of the province and act accordingly," Davis said in Friday's statement.

Davis had created the Department of Public Safety on Sept. 30 when he put together his first cabinet as premier. He appointed unelected lawyer Judy Manning as the department's minister.