Widely regarded as the perfect bridge between the past and the future, the freshly renovated Dauphin Courthouse was celebrated during a special ceremony, last week.
While the facility has been open and operating for several months, Manitoba Justice officials, local dignitaries and members of the community gathered in the building’s lobby for an offical grand opening, Jan. 15.
“What an incredible opportunity it is to be here today to open this amazing facility, Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said,
“This is a beautiful space and one that I’ve had a chance to watch throughout the different iterations, seeing the old jail, seeing the old courthouse and seeing where it was going. Now to be here in person, what an incredible journey.”
Having heard what the facility means to the community, Wiebe added the renovations reflect the Manitoba government’s commitment to the community and to the region as a whole, through a modern, safe, accessible and technologically advanced facility
“It includes expanded courtrooms, expanded administrative space, the enhanced security features which folks know about, the upgraded video conferencing technology, which supports remote hearings,” Wiebe said, adding one of his department’s guiding strategies is ensuring access to justice is fully supported.
“All of these pieces are so important to delivering that kind of access to justice that Manitobans expect. Improvements ensure that the courthouse meets the needs of all Manitobans, whether they’re seeking justice, whether they’re providing legal support in the courtroom, or whether they’re working at any level within our system.”
The facility, he added, is also a symbol of the government’s commitment to walking the path of reconciliation, highlighted by an Eagle Feather Renewal Ceremony prior to the formal agenda led by Michael Pierre, Manitoba Justice’s executive director of Indigenous Services.
Eagle feathers were introduced into Manitoba courtrooms in 2019 as an option for Indigenous people swearing their oath prior to giving their testimony, rather than affirming of swearing on a bible.
For the full story, read this week’s edition of the Dauphin Herald.
