Steinbach MLA and Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced that the Manitoba government has designated the court office in Steinbach as an administrative centre of the Court of Queen’s Bench.
“Designating the Steinbach court as a Court of Queen’s Bench administrative centre is part of making justice services more accessible and convenient,” said Goertzen. “The southeast part of Manitoba is among the fastest growing areas in the province, which also increases the demand for legal services and accessibility as well.”
Steinbach was the only court office in Manitoba that was not designated as a Queen’s Bench administrative centre. Currently, court parties who wish to file Queen’s Bench documents must travel to the nearest administrative centre, such as Selkirk, Winnipeg or Morden.
Goertzen noted that there has been tremendous population growth in Steinbach and the surrounding communities since Queen’s Bench administrative centres were designated under the Court of Queen’s Bench Act in 1984.
Under the act, court centres are designated by the lieutenant-governor in council, upon recommendation of the justice minister and after consultation with the chief justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench. Consultations with the chief justice were held in June.
“A move to designate the Steinbach court as an administrative centre of the Court of Queen’s Bench enhances access to justice for Manitobans and deserves the support of the court,” said Chief Justice Glenn Joyal.
The new administrative centre will be open for the public to file documents on Sept. 19, the minister said.
