Justice Minister Bernard Davis admits vacancies among Crown attorneys in the province are a concern and recruitment efforts are underway to help fill the gaps.

Last week, the President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Crown Attorneys Association, Shawn Patten, told VOCM News that Crown prosecutors are overworked and understaffed and they’re calling on government to do something about it.

Retired Crown prosecutor Mike Murray told VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly that quality of life issues were what prompted him to “give it up” early.

“After I retired, one of the first things I got from the government was a cheque for six or eight months’ worth of holidays I never had the time to take while I was working.” He says he also left three months of sick leave on the table. “I agree with Shawn Patten. I mean 200 files is pretty much the norm” leading to endless hours of overtime.

Minister Bernard Davis calls that a serious concern and says they’ve increased salaries for solicitors, including Crown attorneys, to attract more candidates. They’ve also placed an emphasis on recruitment among law students to fill summer and articling positions.

“I think we have 47 Crown prosecutors right now, positions that are full-time. We’re always looking at whether we need to increase more.” He says government is trying to engage more young students studying law “to at least pique their interest in considering this as an option.”