2024 Alberta Community Justice Awards Recipients and Presenters. Photo credit: Nicole Lowe of https://www.nicolelowephotography.net/
Each year, the Alberta Community Justice Awards shine a spotlight on unsung heroes whose innovative efforts and outstanding leadership help prevent crime and protect communities. On the 33rd anniversary of the Alberta Community Justice Awards, Alberta’s government honoured ten community leaders for their exceptional contributions to crime prevention and community safety across cities, towns and neighborhoods 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. I thank all the recipients for their hard work and dedication in keeping our neighborhoods safe and hope these awards inspire more Albertans to follow their lead.”
“I would like to congratulate all the award recipients on their devotion to keeping our communities safe. The Alberta Community Justice Awards offer an opportunity to express appreciation for this work, and I thank and commend this year’s recipients for their contributions towards strengthening Alberta’s justice system and improving public safety in our province. Albertans are truly grateful for your efforts.”
This year, recipients were celebrated in four categories – Emerging Excellence, Innovation, Service Enhancement and Partnerships and Collaboration. The newly introduced Enhancing Justice Award also recognized community leaders for their innovative efforts to create a fair and accessible justice system.
“I am honoured to receive this award along with so many worthy recipients from across the province. The Community Justice Awards highlight the vital role community justice plays in shaping a fairer society. They also inspire others to engage in the important work of enhancing justice and supporting those in need within our community.”
The 33rd annual Alberta Community Justice Awards were held in Camrose on Sept. 13, hosted by Alberta’s government in collaboration with Camrose Police Service and the Association of Communities Against Abuse.
2024 Alberta Community Justice Awards recipients
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.
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.
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.