Association's president welcomes change but warns about recruitment and retention crisis
The New Brunswick Crown Prosecutors Association (NBCPA) has ratified a new collective agreement with the provincial government, with 86 percent of members voting in favour of approval.
The new contract, which the NBCPA overwhelmingly approved, provides enhanced compensation for prosecutors and senior prosecutors alike.
“After lagging far behind other jurisdictions, this agreement will mean more competitive pay for New Brunswick's prosecutors,” said Shara Munn, NBCPA president, in a news release by the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC). “It makes up for some lost ground.”
In the news release, Eva Henshaw, acting president of the PIPSC, praised the province’s Crown prosecutors for their dedication to the criminal justice system amid the daunting workload and the challenging conditions that they face.
Challenges of New Brunswick prosecutors
While the agreement would be a positive step, significant work remained to improve the provincial criminal justice system, including by addressing the recruitment and retention crisis, Munn said in the news release.
The justice system, which was under severe strain, required immediate government action to prevent further losses of experienced prosecutors and to attract new talent, Munn stressed.
“To fix this crisis, the government must act urgently to stop the exodus of experienced prosecutors and bring in the new prosecutors we desperately need,” said Munn in the news release. “This means giving Crown prosecutors and Family Crown Counsel the resources, support, and fair working conditions they need to do their jobs effectively.”
Vacancy rates remained alarmingly high, which could lead to public safety risks, Munn warned. For years, the NBCPA has been alerting the provincial government regarding the potential danger, Munn added.
“Too few prosecutors cover too many cases, leaving them overburdened and looking for an exit,” Munn said in the news release.
“This was a hard-won victory and shows the solidarity and commitment of New Brunswick's Crown Prosecutors and Family Crown Counsel,” Henshaw said in the news release. “We thank the government for this meaningful first step towards progress for crown prosecutors, while recognizing that we still have work to do.”
The PIPSC represents over 75,000 public sector professionals across Canada, including more than 16,000 members working at the Canada Revenue Agency.
