NAPE is trying to get answers as to what’s led to a sudden upheaval in the province’s court system.

President Jerry Earle suspects that the sudden adjournment of all civil and traffic hearings and all Contraventions Act matters is related to a failure to recruit sheriff’s officers, an integral part of the system.

The notification came down through the courts last week, but until now, little information has been provided.

Earle says the union has been warning for some time about the potential impact on the court system without a plan to recruit more sheriff’s officers. A committee to address the issue was struck one year ago.

“And then, lo and behold, last week we learned because of these issues, as we understand – nothing official has come to us – other than postings on courtroom doors, and I understand as late as yesterday some written correspondence from directors and others saying there were some issues.”

Earle says he’s taken aback by the lack of information and transparency.

He says they’ve discussed the fact that a lack of sheriff’s officers and court staff would eventually lead to disruptions. “We’ve been forecasting this (was) going to happen, but unfortunately, it was not acted upon.”

The disruptions also affect circuit court in Port aux Basques and Baie Verte. Justice Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer will address the issue at Confederation Building this afternoon at 2:00. VOCM News will be there.