The Task Force on Access to Justice was commissioned by Chief Justice Gerard Mitchell and established through a partnership between the Supreme Court of PEI, the PEI Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, the Law Society of PEI, and the Office of the Attorney General. The task force was mandated to undertake an internal review of the civil justice system in the province with an objective to review access to justice and identify problems with the existing system in an effort to improve access to justice, reduce the cost of litigation, simplify practice and procedures, and improve technology.

The Honourable Norman Carruthers chaired the Task Force which included 16 individuals representing the four partners. Members of the Task Force were assigned to one of four committees: self-represented litigants, technology, court process and legal aid. The committees made a total of 42 recommendations. The Task Force stressed the need for an open and supportive justice system for Islanders that is consistently available to everyone who needs access to the system.

"The members of the Task Force are to be commended for the hard work and dedication they put into this report," says Attorney General Jeffrey Lantz. "The report outlines a number of valuable recommendations that the partners can use to improve access to justice for all Islanders. One message that was clearly identified through the report is that there is a need for increased knowledge and education among Islanders about the justice system and court processes."

Chief Justice Gerard Mitchell, who provided leadership by putting the Task Force in place, commended the work of the committees. "This report involved a tremendous amount of work from the members of the Task Force and represents an important step forward, as we work with the partners and with Islanders in creating a justice system that is accessible and understandable to everyone," says Chief Justice Mitchell.