STATEMENT BY MINISTER OF JUSTICE ON RESTORATIVE JUSTICE WEEK 2004

OTTAWA, November 16, 2004 – Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Irwin Cotler, today released the following statement regarding Restorative Justice Week 2004:

“Restorative justice represents a fundamental – and ultimately progressive – shift in how we view a criminal act. No longer should we only view crime as an act against the faceless state, but one done against an individual and a community – in other words, those personally harmed by the wrongful act. As a result, victims are provided with the opportunity to obtain recognition and validation of their experiences, while offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions.

Broader public awareness of the merits behind a restorative justice approach is key.

Whether it's my Ministerial colleagues in the provinces or territories or my own departmental officials, I have asked and will continue to urge them to consider restorative justice when thinking about possible areas of reform to our legal system.

Strong community-based efforts, like those of the Ottawa organizing committee for Restorative Justice Week 2004, alongside others throughout the country, showcase a growing understanding and appreciation for restorative justice. I would like to commend all those involved in Restorative Justice Week 2004 for what will undoubtedly prove to be an enjoyable and productive week.

Restorative Justice Week is an opportunity for us all to mark the achievements and the continuing challenges of advancing restorative justice as a meaningful and appropriate response to crime in Canada .”

For more information about Restorative Justice Week events across Canada , visit http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/forum/restore2004/home_e.shtml

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Ref.:

Denise Rudnicki
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Justice
(613) 992-4621