An Alberta Justice official has confirmed Global News reports that court staff told people tissues and water would no longer be provided, but she says they were “mistaken.”
Global News relied on multiple sources for its reports, which Alberta Justice Minister Doug Schweitzer strongly questioned.
He said he believes Global News “fell victim to a rumour mill and ran with the story a little too premature,” and added that “tissues will still be provided to witnesses and water to both witnesses and the judiciary. This has – and will not – change.”
READ MORE: Alberta justice minister denies courtroom cuts; sources maintain tissues, water removed
After hearing Schweitzer’s comments Wednesday, a woman from Three Hills contacted Global News to dispute the minister’s remarks.
READ MORE: Woman pushes back on Alberta minister’s denial that witnesses will no longer get tissues in court
After speaking with Walters, Global News reached out to Schweitzer’s press secretary for comment.
Get daily National news
Just after noon on Thursday, a reply came from an official in the justice ministry’s resolution and court administration services department.
“As confirmed yesterday, witnesses testifying in Alberta courtrooms will continue to be provided with water and tissues by clerks – this has not and will not change,” Mary MacDonald, an assistant deputy minister of justice, said in the email.
- Americans call in to Vancouver council meeting in what mayor says is ‘foreign interference’
- NDP calls for public inquiry into Ford government’s wildfire preparedness, response
- Toronto mayoral hopeful pitches hiring 1,000 new police officers
- Alberta premier says Carney ‘wise’ not to retaliate over U.S. tariff threat
“It appears that inaccurate information was mistakenly shared at the courthouse without the knowledge of the department.
“The continued availability of water and tissues is being clarified with court staff to reassure witnesses and those who support them that water and tissues will continue to be available as they always have been and to ensure that no potential mistakes happen again.”
READ MORE: Alberta Justice makes cuts forcing victims to bring own tissues, water to court
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.