Alberta expands restorative justice funding  

  • Posted: April 1, 2026

March 27, 2026

Organizations across Alberta are receiving grants to boost restorative justice programs.

Budget 2026 is investing $1.3 million towards restorative justice initiatives, which include the Restorative Justice Grant. As part of a restorative approach to justice, $720,000 in funding has been given to 19 non-profit organizations, municipalities and Indigenous communities to deliver restorative justice initiatives. The Alberta Restorative Justice Grant supports initiatives that seek to hold offenders accountable and support healing for victims.

“There is vital work being done in communities across the province to foster accountability in the justice process. We are confident that these grants will continue to support positive outcomes and lasting change for individuals, families and communities across Alberta.”

Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

For the 2025-26 fiscal year, 19 grant recipients were selected to receive funding. Grants are a maximum of $50,000 and must be used for operational activities.

“Restorative justice fosters accountability that is grounded in community, culture and healing. These programs provide pathways to rebuild relationships with those affected while meaningfully addressing harm. I’m pleased to see a number of Indigenous organizations receiving funding. Alberta’s government is proud to support the organizations leading this work, whose efforts strengthen communities while honouring both responsibility and restoration.”

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations

Restorative justice is an alternative to formal court processes and encourages individuals affected by crime, including both those harmed and those responsible, to engage in collaborative dialogue and take steps to repair the harm. This program helps meet the growing demand for restorative justice as a diversion option in Alberta’s justice system and helps reduce the load on Alberta’s courts.

“This funding demonstrates Minister Amery’s commitment to increasing public safety through supporting the healing of victims and addressing root causes of Indigenous Peoples’ interactions with justice. Native Counselling Services of Alberta is grateful for the support and leadership of the minister on these issues.”

Marlene Orr, CEO, Native Counselling Services of Alberta

Quick facts

  • Alberta’s government committed $1.3 million to support restorative justice for the 2025-26 fiscal year, including:
  • $720,000 for the Alberta Restorative Justice Grant
  • $350,000 for the Youth Justice Committee Grant
  • Applications for the Alberta Restorative Justice Grant were accepted in July and August 2025.
  • The following organizations are receiving grants:

Edmonton-based organizations

  • Association des Juristes d’Expression Française de l’Alberta
  • Edmonton Youth Justice Committee Society
  • Native Counselling Services of Alberta
  • Society for the Strathcona Youth Justice Committee
  • enCompass Community Safety Agency

Calgary-based organizations

  • Calgary John Howard Society
  • Synergy Youth and Community Development Society
  • Connecting the Dots Diversity & Inclusion Council
  • uTurn Project Inc.

Northern Alberta-based organizations

  • Cold Lake First Nations
  • Peace River Region Restorative Justice Association
  • Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Central Alberta-based organizations

  • Camrose Open Doors Association
  • Camrose & District Family and Community Support Services Association
  • Hinton Adult Learning Society
  • Innisfail Restorative Justice Society
  • Town of Drayton Valley

Southern Alberta-based organizations

  • Chinook Sexual Assault Centre
  • Sweetgrass Youth Alliance

Related information

Media inquiries

Heather Jenkins

Heather.Jenkins@gov.ab.ca

780-245-0421

Press Secretary, Justice