Promote and support the availability and use of restorative justice programs.

First Light launches SSHRC-funded research on alternative sanctions and restorative justice

In April 2026, First Light received research funding under the Indigenous Innovation and Leadership in Research Network Grants. This project supports data gathering and community guidance conducted through the First Light Advocacy Council, Gatherings of Voices, and Action Circles. In this first phase of the project, First Light is launching an Action Circle on alternative sanctions and restorative justice, which will guide research to answer the question: “What is needed to make alternative sanctions and restorative justice programs a sustainable, culturally relevant and accessible reality for Indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system in Newfoundland and Labrador?” The goal of the project is to support Indigenous organizations’ advocacy for alternative sanctions and restorative justice programming, as well as providing guidance for policymakers on needed action to improve the legal landscape for Indigenous individuals who are involved in the criminal justice system.

Sentencing courts have a legal obligation to support alternative sanctions under Section 718.2(e) of the Criminal Code, which provides that “all available sanctions, other than imprisonment, that are reasonable in the circumstances and consistent with the harm done to victims or to the community should be considered for all offenders, with particular attention to the circumstances of Aboriginal offenders.”

City of St. John’s integrates restorative justice in Anti-Racism Working Group’s work plan

St. John’s City Council approved the Anti-Racism Working Group’s work plan, which includes a key objective to “explore restorative justice practices to address racial harm, promote healing, and strengthen community accountability.” To advance this objective, the Working Group is undertaking a jurisdictional scan of restorative justice programs in government municipal contexts, and specifically municipalities. On June 16, 2026, the City of St. John’s hosted a collaboration and learning event focused on restorative justice in collaboration with Community Justice Connect, an initiative of the NL Human Rights Commission and Relationships First. Additionally, planning is underway for public forums as well as enhancing educational opportunities for schools related to antiracism.

Funding discontinued for Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador

Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador (RFNL) supports the use of restorative justice principles and practices in education, community, criminal-legal, and other contexts. Housed at Memorial University’s Faculty of Education, RFNL has provided professional learning, resource development, community engagement, and circle facilitation.

RFNL’s funding contract with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development expired on June 30, 2026 and was not renewed. In K-12 education, schools will increasingly depend on the capacity of Safe and Inclusive School itinerants, as well as individual educators and administrators, to continue the work to embed restorative justice principles in school culture. A new Safe and Caring Schools policy is under development and restorative justice will be foundational to it.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety funded RFNL for its first three years, but a recent request for continued funding was unsuccessful. An application to establish RFNL as an official Memorial University centre – providing institutional recognition and a permanent organizational home rather than operating or staffing support – was also unsuccessful.

NL Human Rights Commission: Supports conflict resolution and connection for conflicts outside the justice system

As noted in the 2024 Reconciliation Report, Community Justice Connect is a program run by the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission which provides conflict resolution services to Indigenous, racialized, and religious minorities as well as organizations that are involved in conflict with persons or organizations from one of these designated groups and who are committed to maintaining respectful relations.

For the Department of Justice and Public Safety (JPS):

• Allocate multiyear funding in the upcoming budget cycle to (a) sustain already-existing restorative justice programs in Indigenous communities across the province; and (b) support the development of similar Indigenous-led programs in urban areas, including St. John’s.