News Releases

2003 RON WIEBE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE AWARD RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED

From Left to Right: Jeff Wiebe, son of the late Ron Wiebe and CSC employee; Mark Yantzi, recipient of the 5th Annual Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award; Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada Lucie McClung

Laval, QC -- November 20, 2003 - Mark Yantzi, of Kitchener Ontario, was awarded the 5th Annual Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award during a ceremony yesterday at the Federal Training Centre in Laval. The Commissioner of the Correctional Service of Canada, Ms. Lucie McClung, presented the award.

Mr. Yantzi's work in restorative justice can be traced to the roots of the field in Canada. In 1974, Mr. Yantzi approached the court with a novel idea, he wanted to have offenders meet face to face with their victims to apologize for their actions. This was the first official victim-offender mediation case to take place in Canada.

Since that event, Mr. Yantzi has worked tirelessly toward the principles of restorative justice and healing. He has personally been involved in a number of programs that help victims, offenders and the community heal. His ideas are responsible for the establishment of hundreds of restorative justice initiatives world-wide. In addition Mr. Yantzi has written extensively on the subject of restorative justice as a way to educate others. His most recent book tackled the application of restorative justice to sexual offending in a sensitive and insightful way.

"The goal of restorative justice is to encourage a healing process for those affected by crime, whether they be victims, offenders or the community," said Commissioner McClung. "This award, created in Ron Wiebe's name, draws attention to the importance of restorative justice and helps to recognize key leaders in the field."

Mr. Yantzi was one of 24 award nominees coming from all parts of Canada and from all walks of life. The 2003 Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award ceremony is one of the highlights of Restorative Justice Week, which is taking place this year from November 16 to 23, 2003.

Created by CSC in 1999, the Ron Wiebe Restorative Justice Award honours the late Ron Wiebe, former CSC Warden of Ferndale and Elbow Lake Institutions in British Columbia for his inspiration and commitment to the field of restorative justice. The award recognizes Canadians who have demonstrated, through their work or lifestyle, ways of transforming human relationships by promoting communication and healing between people in conflict, be they victims, offenders, colleagues, families or neighbours.

FOR INFORMATION

Jane Miller-Ashton
Director General, Restorative Justice and Dispute Resolution Unit
Correctional Service of Canada
(613) 992-2017

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