Mission Statement: The Collaborative Justice Program, in Ottawa, engages victims, offenders and their communities in restorative justice processes that focus on understanding, reparation and healing.
Restorative justice is an approach to justice that focuses on healing the harm caused by crime while holding the offender responsible for his or her actions, by providing an opportunity for the parties directly affected by the crime - victim(s), offender and community - to identify and address their needs in the aftermath of crime, and seek a resolution that affords healing, reparation and reintegration and prevents future harm.
Federal Provincial Territorial Working Group on Restorative Justice
Restorative justice is an approach to justice that focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime while holding the offender responsible for his or her actions.
Dr. Robert Cormier, Public Safety Canada
Our Stories
Robbery
Dave*, 15, had been using marijuana for the past year. When his drug use became daily, he began shoplifting from local stores to feed his habit. He decided that he could make more money by stealing bicycles. He saw a nice bicycle outside a local convenience store and decided to try to steal it. He couldn't get the lock undone so he waited for the owner of the bike to come out. He followed the owner (a 10-year old boy) into a local park and used force to remove him from the bicycle…
Possession of Stolen Property and Dangerous Driving
The accused, Kyle*, attempted to receive payment for stolen merchandise at a pawnshop. The police were waiting for him there, and a car chase ensued during which Kyle's vehicle collided with another car. Upon arrest, it was discovered that he had possession of several other pieces of stolen property…
Alcohol Related Crimes
Thank you very much for working in the Collaborative Justice Program. Going through the Collaborative Justice Program as an offender allowed me to express my remorse and apologies to victims I would otherwise never have been allowed to speak with, due to non-contact orders. I went through a tough time in my life after being charged with offences, feeling like I wanted to apologize and explain to victims…
Case Involving Youth Struck By Car
Having recently served on a jury in the Ontario Superior Court and also experienced restorative justice through the Collaborative Justice Program in Ottawa, I am even more supportive of the restorative justice philosophy.
Resources
CJP’s Community Connections, Evaluations and Information about Restorative Justice
