The provincial government is conducting what it calls a comprehensive review of the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, a piece of legislation that was passed in the House of Assembly in 2007 but never proclaimed.

The legislation was drafted to help address public safety concerns in the community and deal with things like problem properties.

The province says because two decades have elapsed since the legislation was passed, officials within the justice department are taking a look at its scope, how it can be applied, and how effective it could be in addressing public safety.

Consultations on the legislation began over the summer with more than 40 already having taken place with relevant government departments and agencies, women’s support groups, and various not-for-profits.

Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer says potential changes to the legislation must be given proper consideration to ensure they are legally sound and effectively coordinated with other departments.

The minister says the department is working “diligently” to complete the necessary work to bring the legislation to the House of Assembly.