Council rejects program funds

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Nov 7, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Enderby politicians see value to restorative justice but they won’t contribute tax dollars. Council decided Monday not to provide $2,528 to the Restorative Justice Society. “This is a provincial matter,” said Mayor Howie Cyr of the justice system. “The provincial government should be funding this and not the community. It’s downloading.” Through restorative justice, people who have committed an offence meet with the victim to talk about what happened and what can be done to correct the situation. If possible, it is a way for the offender to remain out of jail and turn their life around. The grant request was based on about three per cent of the society’s cases coming from Enderby. “This funding request supports continued restorative justice services within the North Okanagan and specifically as indicated within your communities,” said Carole Lyons, society president, in a letter. Cyr, a retired RCMP officer, says he appreciates the efforts of the restorative justice society but insists there is only so much the community can do. “We have so many other financial pressures and we want the government to step up to the plate,” he said.
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Lumby council supports restorative justice
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Nov 7, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Lumby is pumping money into an alternative justice program but not as much as anticipated. Council agreed Monday to provide $500 for the Restorative Justice Society, far short of the $2,528 the non-profit organization was seeking. “That’s what we’ve been giving them,” said Coun. Lori Mindnich of the $500. There is also a concern the village has not received sufficient information on the initiative. “We’ve been asking for a per capita funding model but they keep sending us the same (request) letter,” said Mindnich. All communities are being asked to provide funding based on case loads arising from those jurisdictions. Through restorative justice, people who have committed an offence meet with the victim to talk about what happened and what can be done to correct the situation. If possible, it is a way for the offender to remain out of jail and turn their life around. “It’s a great program,” said Mayor Kevin Acton, adding that the village recently used the service after an offense. “The people who did the harm met with us.” Acton says restorative justice is important because it makes individuals responsible for their actions but keeps them out of the cycle of jail and crime. “People make mistakes and if you make one, why should it ruin your life?” he said. “Right the wrong and take your lumps. If you end up in prison, it’s a different experience.”