Dealing More Effectively with Crime

Four Nova Scotian communities now have a more effective way to deal with crime as the province's Restorative Justice Program becomes operational with the assistance of the government of Canada's National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention.

The first phase of the program will be offered in Cumberland, Cape Breton, Halifax and the Annapolis Valley and will focus on young people from the ages of 12 to 17.

The program has been developed over a two-year period by the Nova Scotia Department of Justice in consultation with all levels of the justice system and representatives from the community. It will be administered through community agencies that work with young people in conflict with the law. It is hoped the program will be expanded across the province within a year.

In a restorative justice process, the victim is brought into the process and is actively involved in deciding how the harm caused by the offence can be repaired. Restorative justice holds offenders accountable and actively involves the offender in determining how he or she can repair the damage caused to the victim and to the community. The process can take one of many forms, depending on the circumstances of the case, and the traditions and preferences of the community involved.

An offender can be referred to the restorative process at various points in the system, from pre-charge to post-sentence. More serious offences can only be referred once a conviction has been entered or a sentence imposed.

"This is a smarter way to deal with crime," said Justice Minister Michael Baker. "We're giving the communities and victims the power to deal with conflict in a manner that meets their needs, while holding the offender accountable."

In partnership with the province, the federal government is providing $520,000 over a three-year period through the Crime Prevention Investment Fund under the National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention.

"The government of Canada is pleased to be supporting the efforts of Nova Scotians to grapple with the problem of youth crime and explore the means by which offending behaviour can be prevented," said Senator Bernie Boudreau. "Clearly, this initiative speaks to the fact that preventing crime and promoting community safety is everyone's responsibility."

Phase 2 of the National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention was launched by the government of Canada in June of 1998. The $32-million initiative is the joint responsibility of Anne McLellan, the federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada.

Open houses will be hosted today by alternative measures agencies in Cumberland and Annapolis Valley. On Tuesday, Nov. 16, Island Community Justice Society opens its doors to the public in honour of Restorative Justice Week, which runs from Nov. 14 to Nov. 21. Everyone is welcome to attend and learn more about the program and its healing approach to crime. The Youth Alternative Society in Halifax will be hosting three community justice forums during the week to provide an opportunity to discuss and learn about restorative justice.