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Manitoba Proposes Legislation that would Create Framework to Expand Community-based Justice Programs: Minister Swan

The Manitoba government is introducing legislation that would enhance restorative justice and community-based solutions as part of a balanced approach to increasing public safety and reducing crime, Justice Minister Andrew Swan said today. 

“Restorative justice in the community can result in better outcomes, lower reoffence rates and greater confidence of victims,” said Minister Swan.  “In appropriate cases, the most effective way to change the offender’s behaviour and make amends to the people affected by crime is through restorative justice processes.  Manitoba is already a leader in North America, but this new legislation will enhance and expand our restorative justice program.”

The restorative justice act would provide a framework to further develop restorative justice programs and increase their use for adult and youth offenders across the province, the minister said.  The act would also establish a Restorative Justice Advisory Council, which would provide advice and expertise to the minister about the development of effective restorative justice programs.

Restorative justice is an alternative way to hold offenders responsible for their actions outside of the traditional court system.  Instead, they work with community representatives and the victims of their crimes, when victims choose to participate, to repair harm that has been caused and make amends to the victim and the community.

Restorative justice processes can also help the offender identify the root causes of their behaviour, creating opportunities to access counselling and treatment for issues related to mental health, addictions or other risk factors.  Public safety is enhanced by preventing future offences, the minister said.

He noted restorative justice can also help support a more effective justice system as these cases would be handled in the community outside of the traditional court process.  Court resources could then be used for cases that are more pressing to public safety and potentially assist in reducing pressures on correctional facilities, he added.

There is currently a range of programs for adults and youth in Manitoba including:

• mediation services;
• Onashowewin,  a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to establishing restorative and holistic approaches for achieving justice, taking into account the needs and strengths of the community;
• Salvation Army programs including the Positive Lifestyle Program, Anger Management Program, Domestic Violence Program, and John School;
• the Prostitution Diversion Program;
• FireStop; and
• community justice committees that work directly with offenders.