Alberta Community Justice Grant announced

By Brandie Majeau

In a rural media round table meeting held by Minister of Justice Mickey Amery,
Minister Amery announced the investment of 1.2 million dollars from the Alberta
government for the Alberta Community Justice Grant. The approved applicants of this
grant will receive a one-time, single installment grant of $5000 – $25 000 to (as stated
on the Alberta government website) “build a framework to resolve legal issues within a
community setting, improve coordination and enhance the capacity of community-
based programs working with criminal, family, and civil matters, and support the
development of community-driven alternatives to the formal legal system.”
During the media roundtable, the discussion ensued around the challenges and
concerns facing Albertans and the Justice system within the province. Simply speaking,
the Alberta Community Justice Grant is an opportunity for communities to address the
nuances, individuality, and cultural backgrounds specific to their municipalities in an
effort to bring justice to an individual as opposed to an individual required to attend
legal matters, often in a court setting that may be difficult to get to. Minister Amery
discussed the challenges faced by the court system. One of the primary issues is related
to individuals not showing up for court hearings, while minor offences and family
disputes also contribute to the backlog of cases. The minister suggested that these
types of cases could potentially be more effectively addressed through private
community initiatives, rather than in the courtroom.
The development of such programs is aimed at making community justice more
accessible and easier for individuals, as well as saving money and reducing the burden
on the court systems. This will be especially beneficial for rural communities. The
philosophy also expresses a focus on restorative justice within the communities. This is
not a “one size fits all solution.” The Minister of Justice took the time to fully engage
the topic effectively with an informative discussion with the rural media

representatives. Many concerns and questions were brought up that Minister Amery
answered to the full extent, including addressing topics within the justice system and
upcoming developments within the department.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery continually regarded the eligibility of The Alberta
Community Justice Grant as an opportunity for communities to develop case studies,
business plans, and initiatives. The guidelines for the application of the grant have been
left intentionally vague to allow for creativity and oppose limitations. The Alberta
government is looking at all ideas and unique opportunities to ensure this project is a
success. The deadline for applications is February 29, 2024.