File photo of Justice Minister and Solicitor General Tyler Shandro. (Government of Alberta)

By Justin Goulet/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Province providing funding for restorative justice programming

Apr 1, 2022 | 11:33 AM

EDMONTON – The Government of Alberta is providing over $1 million to fund restorative justice practices across the province.

As defined by the provincial government, restorative justice is a method of resolving disputes that addresses the harm caused by crime or conflict and promotes meaningful resolutions. It’s often referred to as ‘alternative dispute resolution’.

Restorative justice is a voluntary process that addresses the needs of victims and holds offenders responsible for their actions.

Restorative justice programming has been in place in Alberta for more than 20 years. The government says it’s a “proven means of reducing recidivism, healing communities impacted by crime and empowering victims.”

In March, $720,000 in annual Alberta Community Restorative Justice Grants funding was provided to approximately 25 non-profit restorative justice providers and organizers.

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Additionally, $350,000 in federal funding is administered by the province to Alberta’s youth justice committees. Those help provide community-based alternatives to court proceedings. In total, there are 59 of these communities in Alberta, with 54 currently receiving funding.

Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, Tyler Shandro said, “with over a 20-year history in our province, restorative justice is not a new concept in Alberta.”

“Properly utilized, restorative justice programming reduces recidivism, heals communities damaged by criminal actions and, most importantly, empowers victims. Alberta’s government is proud to support this work and is actively looking at ways to enhance it.”

More information on restorative justice is available through the province’s website.