News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

November 19, 2018

Restorative Justice Week Recognized with Provincial Investments

– – –
New and Ongoing Funding Reflect Commitment to Justice System Modernization: Cullen

The provincial government is marking Restorative Justice Week from Nov. 18 to 25 with a formal proclamation and investments in effective restorative justice programs across the province, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.

“Restorative justice and victim-centered services help make communities safer by dealing with the root causes of crime,” said Cullen.  “During Restorative Justice Week, our government is highlighting its commitment to modernize the criminal justice system with ongoing investments that will prevent crime, empower communities, and support victims.”

The minister noted Manitoba is investing more than $2.3 million annually in restorative justice programs, supplemented with another $1.4 million from the federal government.  Most recently, the province launched the Restorative Justice Centre to promote the use of restorative justice, enhance community safety and support healing by offering timely alternatives to the traditional criminal justice system.

The Restorative Justice Centre was established through the realignment of resources within Manitoba Justice, including specialized probation officers and community corrections workers. In its first year, the centre has referred more than 1,400 matters out of the traditional criminal justice system.  Most are sent to one of three community-based agencies – Mediation Services, Onashowewin or the Salvation Army – which are chosen based on their ability to meet the needs of the client, victim and community, and then develop a suitable restorative justice plan.

The Canada and Manitoba governments jointly fund restorative justice programs to provide community-driven and culturally appropriate prevention, diversion and reintegration services.  Funded communities and organizations include:
• Cross Lake;
• Fisher River Cree Nation;
• Hollow Water Community Holistic Circle Healing;
• Manitoba Keewatinkowi Okimakanak (MKO) Northern First Nations;
• Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) Community Justice Program;
• MMF Thompson Community Justice Program;
• Norway House Cree Nation;
• Onashowewin in Winnipeg and Bloodvein;
• St. Theresa Point First Nation Youth Court Project; and
• Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) Inc.

The Manitoba government solely funds restorative justice programs with the John Howard Society of Brandon Inc., Mediation Services and the Salvation Army.  There are also 50 active community justice committees across the province, which carry out community-based restorative justice solutions for adults and youth. 

The minister noted these investments support the goals set out in the Criminal Justice System Modernization Strategy, announced in March 2018. 

The minister also noted Manitoba marked Restorative Justice Week, which runs Nov. 18 to 25, with a formal proclamation.

For more information about restorative justice in Manitoba, visit www.gov.mb.ca/justice.

- 30 -




Backgrounder
Proclamation - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2018/BKG-Restorative_Justice-JS.pdf