Justice Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer says she was impressed following visits to courts in Ontario last week.

Conway Ottenheimer travelled with provincial court chief judge Robin Fowler to view what they call “innovative court models” being used in the cities of Kenora and London.

While there they also met with Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey and justice centre administrators.

Government says the court program in Kenora offers a wrap-around approach that uses Indigenous restorative justice initiatives through community-led supports to address things like mental health, housing, addictions, and education.

In London, they use multi-departmental supports for at-risk people in the justice system. Government states that by addressing the root causes of their offences, that facility has achieved a “significant reduction” in repeat offenders.

Both models also include a community engagement piece.

The minister says she is working with the Provincial Court Working Group to determine how the approach in Ontario may be adapted to address the needs in this province.