The recent closure of the registry and sheriff’s offices at the Weyburn courthouse have resulted in the loss of jobs for two Ministry of Justice employees.
A statement released by the Ministry of Justice stated the decision was difficult, and that the services provided in those offices will be moved, and delivered from Estevan.
Registry offices are used to administer court files, as well as helping the public with matters like paying fees and the filing of legal documents. The purview of the sheriff’s office involves the enforcement of judgments on financial matters, like bankruptcies.
The closure has earned the disapproval of the NDP. Justice critic Nicole Sarauer said the closures were done without the forethought of a long-term strategy, nor consideration of the consequences of such an action.
“This is an access-to-justice issue and an access-to-court-services issue,” said Sarauer. “Four years ago they were cutting red ribbons in front of of this building, and now they’re just cutting.”
The province spent $8.4 million in 2012 renovating the Weyburn courthouse. Don Morgan, the justice minister and attorney general at the time, praised the courthouse as “truly a Weyburn landmark, (that) has met the needs of the justice system for many years, and … will continue to meet our needs for many years to come.”
The recent layoffs in Weyburn are part of a number of layoffs and reductions of service the Ministry of Justice is implementing, as it continues to reduce spending.
