The 30th annual awards celebrated Albertans who found ways to prevent crime and promote restorative justice in their cities, towns and neighbourhoods.

“It is my honour to recognize the hard work of these outstanding individuals and organizations who improve their communities, making Alberta an even better place to live, work and raise a family. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients for their extraordinary leadership, collaboration and dedication to crime prevention, community safety and justice for all.”

The awards were presented in four categories: leadership, innovation, community mobilization, and partnerships and collaboration.

2021 Alberta Community Justice Award recipients

Africa Centre (Edmonton)

The Africa Centre is a leader in community safety by supporting vulnerable Black youth at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system through sustainable and culturally focused initiatives.

Calgary Youth Justice Society (Calgary)

The non-profit Calgary Youth Justice Society helps youth make choices that build upon their strengths, divert them from crime and give them opportunities to grow and give back to their communities.

Const. Paban Dhaliwal (Calgary)

Const. Paban Dhaliwal with the Calgary Police Service has mobilized the community to build stronger ties with youth to prevent drug, violence and gang activity.

Const. Tracey Ford (Calgary)

Const. Tracey Ford with the Calgary Police Service uses her cultural understanding and commitment to service to bridge the gap between Calgary’s South Asian community and law enforcement.

Deborah Reid and service dog Jake (Airdrie)

Deborah Reid is a victim service provider and along with Jake, her five-year-old court trauma dog, they comfort and support children, youth and adults during police interviews and court statements.

Domestic Violence Family Law Program (Calgary)

Calgary’s Domestic Violence Family Law Program is a one-of-a-kind program in Alberta. It provides free legal advice, emotional support and safety planning for hundreds of domestic and family violence survivors each year.

Jean Claude Munyezamu (Calgary)

Jean Claude Munyezamu is the founder of the Umoja Community Mosaic, an inclusive, family-centred program focused on bringing immigrant and low-income youth together through sport.

Northern Sunrise Rural Crime Watch Association (Peace River)

The Northern Sunrise Rural Crime Watch Association is a community crime prevention organization that works with residents to act as the eyes and ears of the RCMP and change the narrative of why people should report crime.

This year’s award ceremony took place virtually on July 16. The event was co-hosted by the Government of Alberta and the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service.