“We’ve never had anything like this, and it’s very unique to Cold Lake.”
David Zimmerman, Cold Lake Victim Services Unit (VSU) program manager, described the tours of the provincial courthouse taking place on May 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as “a good opportunity for people to be aware of the criminal justice system and the players involved.”
It will be one of the three events Cold Lake VSU is hosting in honour of National Victims and Survivors of Crime week May 26 to June 1.
In addition to the court tour, VSU will be holding a barbecue, with other events at the Elizabeth Metis Settlement School on May 29 and at the Cold Lake First Nations band office on May 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
”It’s to bring awareness to victims and survivors of crime, what services VSU provides, and how people can get help if they’re victims of crime,” detailed Zimmerman.
While many groups bring in speakers and organize different activities, Zimmerman was inspired by an event held in St. Paul called Law Day.
This is the first time it’s being held in Cold Lake. Zimmerman is hoping it will give attendees an in-depth look into what happens in court proceedings.
”They’re going to be able to go inside the courthouse and meet all the players inside the courthouse. They’re going to be able to meet the judge, the Crown prosecutor, the defence lawyer, the court clerks, and the sheriffs, and, of course, the victim services personnel. They’re going to be explaining their roles of what they do in the courthouse, and then people can ask questions.”
Zimmerman believes the court tour “is very important for awareness” for those in the community. They will explain what the justice system is, and that the defence and Crown prosecutor present two sides to each story for the judge to make a decision.
Showing attendees the process of what could happen if they’re ever involved in a trial was another important aspect for the unit. Zimmerman said it also let’s people know what’s available to them if they ever become a victim of crime, and what the process could be if it gets to provincial court.
There will be volunteers and board members for the VSU, along with RCMP members and local groups such as Native Counselling Services to answer questions for those in attendance.
The is an opportunity for VSU to tell people who they are, what services they provide to the community, and how they can help people.
As it’s the first time for the tour, Zimmerman said they’ll “play it one year at a time” as there’s a number of other ideas they want to bring to the area.
For more information, visit www.coldlakevictimservices.com or call their office at 780-594-3302 ext. 3.
