(Supplied/Gov't of Alberta)

By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

doing their communities proud

Alberta government recognizes unsung heroes in 33rd Community Justice Awards

Sep 14, 2024 | 10:17 AM

The Government of Alberta is recognizing a number of ‘unsung heroes’ with its 33rd annual Community Justice Awards, including some from the Red Deer area.

The awards honour ten community leaders for their exceptional contributions to crime prevention and community safety across cities, towns and neighbourhoods throughout Alberta.

“These leaders have shown through their actions how individuals and organizations can make a lasting impact on the well-being of their communities,” says Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

“I thank all the recipients for their hard work and dedication in keeping our neighbourhoods safe and hope these awards inspire more Albertans to follow their lead.”

Recipients

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Partnerships and Collaboration:

Constable Jeffery Hewitt (Blackfalds)
The school resource and liaison officer for the Rural Red Deer Restorative Justice Program, RCMP Blackfalds detachment, which provides restorative justice education and training to educators, social workers and law enforcement.

Jenifer Ambrose (Red Deer)
The specialized criminal justice navigator for the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre, which provides emotional support and advocacy for victims, ensuring clients are aware of their options and offering support during reporting and post-court.

Jeanne Orydzuk (Edmonton)
President of the Victims of Homicide of Edmonton Support Society, which works closely with victim service advocates and homicide detectives with the Edmonton Police Service and the RCMP to ensure that the needs of victims’ families are addressed and that trauma-informed best practices are employed.

Corporal Nader Khalil (Calgary)
A peace officer with the RCMP who has played a key role in enhancing relations between the RCMP and Calgary’s Muslim community by effectively approaching concerns over profiling and inadequate resources for countering radicalization, while actively engaging with the community to develop practical solutions.

Association of Communities Against Abuse (Camrose)
The organization addresses sexual violence and other forms of trauma through treatment, support and education.

Edmonton Police Service Northeast Division Balwin and Belvedere Beats (Edmonton)
These officers from the Edmonton Police Service have enhanced their efforts and presence in the Belvedere area, engaging residents on community issues and fostering a strong sense of community and security.

Emerging Excellence:

Cathy Bergquist (Cochrane)
A founding member of the Cochrane & District Youth Justice Committee, which provides education and training and emphasizes the importance of empowering youth involved with the justice system to have a second chance in life.

Innovation:

Robin Van Gastel (Calgary)
A retired Calgary police officer who currently serves as a law enforcement liaison officer with the Calgary Youth Justice Society, which connects adult volunteers with young people who need support, in some cases due to being in conflict with the law.

Enhancing Justice (NEW category):

Carolyn Cush-Nieminen (Edmonton)
The coordinator of the Edmonton Youth Justice Committee Society, which offers a community-based alternative to court proceedings for youth and young adults facing criminal charges.

Melissa Bourgeois (Edmonton)
A family lawyer who worked with the Law Society of Alberta to pioneer a service delivery model where one lawyer is jointly retained by both parties in divorce proceedings to provide neutral and fair legal advice. In appropriate cases, this model can help minimize conflict and trauma in the separation process.

The 33rd annual Alberta Community Justice Awards were held in Camrose on Sept. 13, hosted by the provincial government in collaboration with Camrose Police Service and the Association of Communities Against Abuse.

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