The BC First Nations Justice Council: Prince George is among a number of recipients to receive new funding from the Province, aiming to support restorative justice initiatives throughout BC.
“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.”
$3 million will be put forward for the cause, through the Law Foundation of BC, and allocated to several organizations, based on extensive engagement with stakeholders to identify priorities and maximize impacts in the community.
“Restorative justice processes can help provide access to justice and provide healing in communities,” added Josh Patterson, executive director of the Law Foundation of British Columbia. “They help people who have been harmed, and help those who are responsible for the harm, to understand the impacts their actions had on others and take positive action to redress that hurt. The Law Foundation is pleased to work with the Province to help fund the enhancement and expansion of these programs.”
Larger umbrella organizations will receive funding to enhance support capacity, develop and provide training on restorative practices and anti-racism, and to implement strategic plans and host events, such as the annual Provincial Restorative Justice Symposium and the 2025 Indigenous Justice Program gathering.
The other organizations receiving funding are:
- Restorative Justice Victoria
- North Shore Restorative Justice Society
- Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association
- Okanagan Boys and Girls Club
- Restorative Collective
- Restorative Justice Association of BC (RJABC)
- Indigenous Justice Association (IJA)
For information on the announcement, you can click here.
