Nunavik groups agree with Quebec Bar Association justice report

Two Nunavik organizations say they agree with the findings and recommendations in a Quebec Bar Association report about the justice system in Nunavik.

The report highlights several problems including the lack of rehabilitation programs and legal services in Northern Quebec. It also says Inuit do not trust the system.

Francois Dorval, a lawyer with Makivik Corporation, says he's well aware of the many failings of the justice system in Nunavik, having sat on many intergovernmental working groups on the subject.

"We believe that the current way of doing things for the justice system has reached its limit," he said.

"We need to address the issues and move on to restore the confidence in the system."

The Quebec Bar Association's report called for improvements, asking the provincial and federal governments to spend more on rehabilitating inmates and increasing the number of translators and legal aid workers.

The findings came as no surprise to Saturviit, the Nunavik women's association. It is putting the finishing touches on its own report which talks about Inuit women's frustration with the justice system.

"One of the major problems is that they don't really understand the legal system," said Caroline Hervé, the group's executive director. "So they need more counsellors; they need more support from the legal system."

CBC News contacted both the Kativik Regional Government and the Quebec Ministry of Justice. No one was available for comment.