“Our justice system must be responsive to the values of Albertans and Canadians,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “The federal government has recognized the concerns of Albertans and has taken a positive step to making the system more accountable.”

Alberta Justice Minister and Attorney General Alison Redford and Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security Fred Lindsay were both in Calgary to join Calgary MP and Environment Minister Jim Prentice for the announcement.

“Justice must be fair and accountable, but it also must send a message about what the consequences are when laws are broken and people are victimized,” said Redford. “The system must be as accountable to victims as it is to offenders.”

Lindsay added,” We believe the sentence you get is the sentence you should serve. Inmates have a greater chance of turning their lives around if they serve their true sentences and complete rehabilitation programs so they don't re-offend and re-victimize Albertans.”

The need to limit remand credit was one of the priorities that emerged from a recent meeting of the Western Attorneys General and Solicitors General.  The ministers from Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are also urging the federal government to fast track legislative reforms on bail, the use of wiretap evidence, and disclosure rules.