The program funds initiatives seeking offender accountability
The Alberta government has injected $720,000 into the Alberta Restorative Justice Grant, a program backing initiatives seeking offender accountability and the reparation of crime-damaged relationship beyond the formal court system.
The grants are earmarked for communities with restorative justice programs. The program offers individual grants of up to $50,000 per program for a year, which may be used to pay wages and to finance program administration, training, and associated operational costs.
The government has invited Alberta-based municipalities, community-based coalitions and networks groups with a designated fiscal agent, registered non-profit organizations, registered charities in good standing, First Nation and Métis communities (including bands and tribal councils), and youth justice committees currently receiving funding for their core work to apply for funding. For youth justice committees, only activities that are not being financed by the justice ministry at present may be supported.
Over 2024-2025, the Alberta Restorative Justice Grant has supported 22 programs in the province.
“Restorative justice gives victims and offenders a chance to engage in meaningful dialogue, promote accountability and support healing. These grants will help communities lead solutions that deliver better outcomes for Albertans,” said Mickey Amery, Alberta’s justice minister and attorney general, in a statement.
The government described restorative justice as an alternative to formal court that urges those affected by crime and those who perpetrate it to dialogue with one another and take reparative measures. Demand is growing for restorative justice as a diversion option in the province’s justice system and as a way to cut down on court load.
The government has set aside $1.3 million for restorative justice initiatives in Budget 2025.
“When a restorative justice process unfolds, people are seen, heard and given the chance to heal. Victims find voice, communities rebuild trust, and systems begin to change. We thank the Government of Alberta for investing in this vital work and stand with those leading the way,” said Karen Kuntz, executive director of the Alberta Restorative Justice Association.
The window for Alberta Restorative Justice Grant applications opened on July 28 and will close on August 25.
