New justice minister talks legal crackdown in first speech to bar association

SASKATOON – Justice Minister Peter MacKay is talking about cracking down on drunk driving, sexual predators and cyberbullying, while doing more to help victims.

MacKay made the comments in his first speech to the Canadian Bar Association since taking over the justice portfolio last month.

He told the crowd in Saskatoon that he intends to move forward on a bill of rights for victims after hearing heartwrenching stories from people who were frustrated with the legal process.

The minister said afterwards that there will also likely be further action on cyberbullying.

MacKay said there are legislative gaps that the government wants to plug — if amendments can be properly drafted this fall.

A report commissioned after the suicide of a Nova Scotia teen said there should be a law against distributing intimate photos without someone’s consent.