On Sept. 12 Caroline Cramer of Virden started an online petition to keep the courthouse office open with regular hours. It states: “The Provincial Court of Manitoba Court in Virden, MB. has currently ceased operation. This impacts the Southwestern region of the province: Melita, Reston, and Virden including surrounding communities.
The majority of provincial court services affected are administrative in nature such as tickets, divorce filings as well as protections orders.
Southwestern Manitoba residents from as far away as 100kms are feeling the affect of this closure.
Our local RCMP will experience the greatest limitations due to the closure due to daily filing and paperwork requirements that need to be addressed by the courts. This will require the RCMP to attend Brandon, MB on at very least a daily basis, taking them away from their duties in the communities which they serve.”
The petition currently has over 164 supporters (as of Monday, Sept. 18). It will be delivered to Doyle Piwniuk, MLA Arthur – Virden.
The courthouse office may be closed from time to time said a spokesperson for Manitoba Justice. The office was open Friday, Sept. 15 and will be open Sept. 22 in the morning, and then will be closing when court is done for the day; as is the usual practice.
Depending on the number of matters to be heard, the office likely will be open Friday afternoons as well. “Access to justice is very important, and all court locations and circuit venues are routinely reviewed to ensure they are meeting the needs of the communities they serve,” says a Manitoba Justice spokesperson.
Community members may choose to attend the court office in Brandon, and tickets can be paid online or by mail.
Supporters can sign the petition online at:
https://www.change.org/p/the-province-of-manitoba-provincial-court-operation-ceases-operation-southwestern-manitoba-virden-manitoba
A sign on the door of the courthouse reads: “NOTE – The Virden Courthouse will be closed today. In case of emergency contact the Virden RCMP at 204-748-2135. You may also call the Brandon Office at 204-726-7114 or Minnedosa at 204-867–4722. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
