News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

November 24, 2021

Manitoba Invest $145,000 In Island Lakes Communities, Hosts Conference To Support Restorative Justice Approaches

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Restorative Justice Week Provides Opportunity to Educate and Celebrate Restorative Justice Programs and Services: Friesen

The Manitoba government is investing $145,000 to support a new Restorative Justice (RJ) initiative in northern First Nations communities and will be holding a conference to mark the proclamation of Restorative Justice Week in Manitoba, Justice Minister Cameron Friesen announced today.

“In 2018, our government released its Criminal Justice System Modernization Strategy - a bold plan to transform Manitoba’s approach to criminal justice,” said Friesen. “A key pillar of this new approach is the more effective use of restorative justice approaches to increase safety in communities and more effectively interact with individuals coming into conflict with the law. Our government is providing $145,000 to Island Lakes Tribal Council to allow restorative justice initiatives to be generated and directed by the community. We remain committed to working with rights holders organizations and Indigenous leaders on the development of restorative justice hubs and greater involvement in the justice system.”

The minister also noted that Manitoba Justice hasreceived funding through the RCMP’s Family Violence Initiative Fund (FVIF) to host a conference during Restorative Justice Week. The FVIF helps communities respond to relationship and family violence, and victim issues. Since 2004, the fund has supported over 400 initiatives across Canada.

“This conference will be an excellent opportunity for RCMP officers and our community partners to learn more about intimate partner violence and how restorative justice may help prevent reoccurring violence,” said Assistant Commissioner Jane MacLatchy, commanding officer, Manitoba RCMP. “We are proud to partner with Manitoba Justice to bring awareness of the goals of restorative justice, which include reducing repeat offenders, strengthening communities, and increasing public confidence in the criminal justice system.”

Repairing the Harm – Restorative Justice, Intimate Partner Violence, and Responsivity conference is a two-day virtual event that is taking place on Nov. 23 and 24 during Restorative Justice Week. The conference will offer workshops, discussion, traditional teaching on intimate partner relationships and traditional parenting, wellness activities and virtual performance from The Butterfly Club, a young woman’s drum group from Ka Ni Kanichihk in Winnipeg.

The minister noted the Manitoba government also supports restorative justice work across the province by co-funding the Indigenous Justice Program with the federal government. The program provides funding for restorative justice programming to 10 Indigenous justice programs throughout Manitoba for the purpose of prevention, diversion, and reintegration. Manitoba also provides funds for four restorative justice programs and supports 52 community justice committees across the province to support services in rural and northern areas.

For more information on restorative justice initiatives in Manitoba, visit www.gov.mb.ca/justice/commsafe/restorjus.html.

 

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