Funding commitment of $1.2M will go to school-based restorative justice programs
The Saskatchewan government has announced investments of $17.2 million – $4.3 million annually over four fiscal years until 2029–30 – in alternative measures and extrajudicial sanctions programs, and almost $1.2 million – $288,876 annually over four years – in school-based restorative justice programs.
In a news release, the provincial government said the funding totalling $17.2 million will help over 20 First Nations, tribal councils, and community-based organizations continue delivering structured, accountable interventions through their alternative measures and extrajudicial sanctions programs.
“The Saskatoon Tribal Council is committed to working alongside the province to build safer communities, prevent further victimization and keep our relatives out of the justice system,” said Saskatoon Tribal Council Tribal Chief Mark Arcand in the news release.
“By continuing to invest in these long-standing initiatives, our government is supporting approaches that reduce reoffending, restore relationships, empower victims, address the root causes of harmful behaviour and create safer communities,” added Tim McLeod, Saskatchewan’s justice minister and attorney general.
The Saskatchewan government said the alternative measures and extrajudicial sanctions programs seek to help individuals referred by police, prosecutors, or the courts:
- Be responsible for their actions
- Address the harm arising from their offending behaviours
- Make reparations via compensation, restitution, counselling, community service, and other processes
- Keep from reoffending
“Alternative measures and extrajudicial sanctions programs play a crucial role in strengthening community safety by ensuring that people who cause harm are held accountable in meaningful ways,” McLeod said in the news release.
The provincial government explained that alternative measures programs apply to accused adults, while extrajudicial sanctions programs cover the youth.
Restorative justice in schools
In its announcement about the nearly $1.2 million funding commitment, the Saskatchewan government emphasized that restorative justice focuses on repairing harm, promoting accountability, and encouraging community involvement.
According to the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science and Justice at the University of Saskatchewan, restorative justice helps participating students stay in school, persevere academically, communicate more effectively, and experience fewer severe conflicts.
“When young people are given the right tools to repair harm, rebuild trust, and understand the impact of their actions, we not only resolve conflicts, we also prevent them,” McLeod said in Saskatchewan’s news release.
The provincial government explained that school-based restorative justice programs aim to address bullying and help children and youth:
- Resolve conflicts
- Hone their leadership skills
- Form positive relationships
- Improve their well-being and academic life
“Supporting our youth helps shape them into the thoughtful and compassionate leaders that our communities will one day depend on,” McLeod said.
The Saskatchewan government noted that one school-based restorative justice program is the restorative action program (RAP) in Saskatoon. In the 2024–25 school year, over 14,000 students, many of whom self-referred, accessed RAP, resulting in over 480 successful mediations.
“Supporting RAP means healthier schools where conflict is viewed through a restorative lens rather than a punitive one, prioritizing accountability, healing, and the shift from surviving to thriving,” said Leane Durand, RAP president, in the news release.
