Absence of Judge not of concern for Labrador

The absence of a judge from Labrador courts is having a minimal impact on the delivery of justice on the north coast.

Judge William English is currently on sick leave.

That leaves only one provincial court judge serving Labrador.

Mark Pike is the Chief Judge for the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.

He says the absence of an experienced judge from the justice system provides some challenges.

Fortunately for Labrador, there has only been the cancellation of two scheduled court circuits.

Those cancellations were in Nain and Hopedale in May.

He says their judicial administrative staff has been monitoring the situation in Labrador.

Judges from other parts of the province have been called on to assist with the extra load.

Pike says this is a normal practice in these sorts of situations.

He adds that the provincial courts are wishing Judge English a speedy recovery and are looking forward to a return to his duties.