The provincial government has given $3 million to the Law Foundation of BC, which will be spread to several restorative justice initiatives, including one in Prince George.
“Restorative justice helps victims and offenders heal from harms they’ve experienced and caused, helping to improve public safety and strengthen communities,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “I am pleased to support the vital work of these organizations in delivering restorative justice services to people throughout British Columbia.”
According to the province, restorative justice gives the victim of a crime a voice in how the offender is held accountable, “which pave the way for meaningful reconciliation.”
The following organizations will receive portions of the funding:
- Restorative Justice Victoria
- North Shore Restorative Justice Society
- Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association
- Okanagan Boys and Girls Club
- BC First Nations Justice Council: Prince George
- Restorative Collective
- Restorative Justice Association of BC (RJABC)
- Indigenous Justice Association (IJA)
“Empowering people to take accountability for their crimes allows them to address the underlying causes of harm,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “By investing in restorative justice programs that promote healing and reconciliation, we can help reduce the cycle of incarceration and build a more fair and equitable justice system for people and communities in B.C.”
You can read more here.