Alberta launches grants to promote restorative justice

Alberta is investing $720,000 in restorative justice initiatives aimed at promoting alternate methods of rehabilitation of criminal offenders.

Alberta is announcing $720,000 available in Alberta Community Restorative Justice grants. Restorative justice services promote alternative dispute resolution that holds offenders accountable while engaging victims to meet their needs. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/E8ShWp53ed

— Alberta Justice (@GoA_Justice) November 1, 2022

The funds will be distributed via the Victims of Crime and Public Safety Fund, with grant applications open until Dec. 2.

Alberta has participated in restorative justice programming for the last 20 years which has proven successful for example by reducing recidivism, which is the likelihood of a criminal to recommit an offense, healing communities, and empowering victims, according to a provincial release.

Related Article: Calgary Black-owned law firm becomes largest in Alberta, one of largest in Canada

The province describes restorative justice as an approach to address the harm caused by the crime through the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large.

It’s described as a holistic, informal, and community-based approach used to solve conflict because it includes the active role of social workers, counselors, and family members.

Alberta’s Minister of Justice, Tyler Shandro, says criminal justice, discriminatory policing, and the court system lead to many not getting the rights and freedoms they deserve.

“Restorative justice not only provides Albertans who want to participate in the process with better outcomes, it reduces the need to use traditional court resources to address legal issues. Investments like these grants help keep our justice system responsive to Albertans’ needs,” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Justice.

These programs offer an alternative route to those who have committed crimes and as an alternative or supplement to sentencing, states the release.

A restorative justice approach, the province says, can provide better outcomes for victims by allowing their needs to be met while offenders are held responsible for their wrongdoings.

As a holistic approach, it helps alleviate stress on Alberta courts by lowering the rates of the criminal’s chances of reoffending and allowing the community to get more involved in how to resolve crimes and how their outcomes should be dealt with, says the release.

Related Article: ‘A modicum of progress’: Alberta defence lawyers call for more changes to LAA as tariff increases

“Our government remains committed to keeping Albertans safe with stable communities. Part of this commitment is taking corrective action when a mistake happens to provide restorative justice. I am proud that this grant supports organizations that are in a position to explore new ways to keep our communities safe,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services.

Any organization that provides restorative justice services including non-profits, Indigenous communities, and youth justice committees can apply for grants for $50,000.