Archived News Releases

November 18, 2015

A new five-year strategy will expand the Manitoba government’s ability to deliver restorative justice, better meet the needs of victims of crime and increase community safety, Attorney General Gord Mackintosh announced today. 

“This new strategy will set the province on an innovative path to increase the use of restorative justice as an effective alternative to the traditional court system, by expanding programs and services for victims, offenders and the community,” said Minister Mackintosh.  “The entire approach to restorative justice has to begin from the perspective of the victim.  To succeed in the long term, we must make offenders more accountable, and better identify and address the root causes of an offender’s criminal activity.” 

Manitoba’s Restorative Justice Act, a Canadian first, was also put into effect today, Minister Mackintosh said.  It creates an advisory council to oversee the implementation of the five-year strategy and help grow restorative approaches and includes community and government representatives with expertise in restorative justice.

The goal of restorative justice is to rehabilitate offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community.  Minister Mackintosh said the strategy includes:

• creating a new nine-person prosecution unit to help significantly increase referrals to restorative justice programs;
• funding new and expanded mental-health and drug courts;
• working with north end residents for a North End Community Court;
• supporting restorative justice programs on the Bloodvein First Nation, Portage la Prairie and Morden;
• investing $320,000 to create restorative justice opportunities immediately in the Westman and Parkland regions, and for Métis residents of Winnipeg including $10,000 for Candace House to help create a business plan to aid in delivering victim supports; 
• establishing a restitution recovery program to help victims collect court-ordered payments;
• creating five restorative justice hubs throughout the province to support existing programs and
  co-ordinate services; 
• improving training and building awareness;
• enhancing supports for victims throughout the entire process; and
• identifying supports for chronic, low-risk offenders.

“The act and council‎ are important steps forward in much-needed justice reform,” said Kate Kehler, executive director, Social Planning Council of Winnipeg.  “Restorative justice is proven to provide resolution for victims of crime, accountability to those who commit crimes and context of the crime so the community can address the root causes.”

Minister Mackintosh noted the new investments are in addition to more than $1.8 million in restorative justice programs and services already funded by the Manitoba government including:

• mediation services in Winnipeg, Brandon, Portage la Prairie and Morden;
• justice committees in 45 communities with volunteers who hear cases that have been diverted from the traditional court process; and
• community justice programs and mediation services for Indigenous and Métis people through partnerships with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, Manitoba Metis Federation, Southern Chiefs Organization and other agencies.

“Restorative justice can provide a more appropriate resolution in many situations,” said Minister Mackintosh.  “Through a strong restorative justice system, we can help reduce future crimes, provide closure to victims and reduce some of the pressure on the traditional court system.”

For more information about Manitoba’s strategy for victim-centred restorative justice and other resources, visit www.gov.mb.ca/justice.  Manitobans who wish to provide feedback on the strategy can do so until Feb. 1, 2016, at restorativejustice@gov.mb.ca.  

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

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Backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2015/11/RLS-Restorative_Justice_BG-JS.doc