GOVERNMENT LISTENS, COURT HOUSE STAYS OPEN

Released on April 12, 2000

Justice Minister Chris Axworthy announced changes today to court services in

Weyburn, Humboldt and Assiniboia.



Weyburn will retain Queen's Bench services and operate as a Provincial Court

circuit point one day per week.



Humboldt and Assiniboia will retain Queen's Bench services and will continue as

a Provincial Court circuit point two days per month.



"Since the release of the Provincial Budget, we have had the opportunity to

talk to community leaders and review decisions to close the Weyburn Court House

and eliminate Court of Queen's Bench services from Humboldt and Assiniboia,"

Axworthy said.



"We are making these changes to respond to concerns raised by mayors, police

chiefs, the Saskatchewan Government Employees Union, senior members of the bar

and others affected in these communities."



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For more information, contact:



Debi McEwen

Saskatchewan Justice

Regina

Phone: 787-6043

e-mail: dmcewen@justice.gov.sk.ca