Opposition questions "sudden changes" to court schedules in Stephenville and Port aux Basques

    Tuesday, 2 December 2025 06:00

    By Tonya Organ

    Burgeo–La Poile MHA Michael King worries this may be the first step in eroding judicial and other services to rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

    The province’s Justice and Public Safety Critic and a southwest coast MHA are calling for an explanation for the sudden changes to court schedules, including in Stephenville and Port aux Basques. Pam Parsons says this reduced access to justice is a result of  the adjournment and suspension of civil hearings, traffic hearings, and other cases. She says “Without an explanation for the abrupt change in the Provincial Court schedule or any indication how long these changes are expected to be in effect, the public is left uncertain about their ability to access the justice system.” Michael King is the MHA for Burgeo–La Poile. He has questions on why this has happened. King worries this may be the first step in eroding judicial and other services to rural Newfoundland and Labrador. King and Parsons have written to Justice and Public Safety Minister Helen Conway-Ottenheimer about the matter. Bayfm news has also reached out to the department for a comment. 

     

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