gavelNorth Bay is one of four areas that are getting Gladue writers.

They write reports that highlight the systemic factors that may have brought an Aboriginal person before the court — including possible impacts from residential schools, dislocation, substance abuse, discrimination and more.  They also provide information about community-based rehabilitation that may be culturally appropriate.

Nearly $470,000 in funding is going to Aboriginal Legal Services of Toronto to expand the Gladue report writing programs.

Northeast District Manager of Legal Services Alain Prevost  says there’s a need for this service locally.

He says Stats Canada indicated in 2011 there’s an aboriginal population locally of 11 percent.

He also says the more people have access to these services, it may lead to fewer Aboriginal people being incarcerated over time.