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MINISTER OF JUSTICE ANNOUNCES WINNER OF THE 2010 NATIONAL YOUTH JUSTICE POLICING AWARD
Edmonton, August 22, 2010 –The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced today this year’s winner of the eleventh annual Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Policing Award. The award was presented at the annual conference of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) in Edmonton, Alberta.
“Across Canada, dedicated police officers work hard to instil
in our youth a sense of responsibility for their actions and to help
them make smart choices,”
said Minister Nicholson. “This
year’s winners have provided troubled youth with meaningful opportunities
for skills development and rehabilitation, all in an effort to help
make our communities safer and stronger.”
This year’s award winner is Deputy Chief Gary McGuigan of the Charlottetown Police Service. In 2008 he created the “Charlottetown Police Service Horse Program”, an innovative program which pairs a young person in conflict with the law with a pregnant mare. Over an approximate 8-week period, the youth has the opportunity to form an emotional bond with the horse and learn a number of tangible equine-related skills. The relationship typically results in a greater sense of both responsibility and trust in the young person, as well as an improved ability to communicate with others.
A Certificate of Distinction was also awarded to Constable Todd Snooks for his work with the York Regional Police ECOTRIP program. The project, which began in 2009, combines mentoring, wilderness training and personal skills development geared towards at-risk youth between the ages of 14 and 17. The ECOTRIP and follow-up phase provide opportunities for youth to develop leadership skills and team-building skills. York Regional Police are offering this program to youth who have successfully completed the pre-charge referral program in the previous year.
“Our Government is committed to strengthening the YCJA and
we recognize that a balanced, multi-faceted approach is necessary
to address youth at risk and young offenders,”
said Minister Nicholson. “I
am pleased that dedicated officers like Deputy Chief McGuigan and
Constable Snooks offer innovative programs which help rehabilitate
our youth and get them on the right path.”
The Minister of Justice National Youth Justice Police Award is sponsored by Justice Canada in collaboration with the CACP. Award criteria include innovation and creativity and the use of community-based resources as alternatives to formal court processes.
Also considered are effective uses of police discretion, conferencing, alternatives to custody and the rehabilitation and reintegration of youth in conflict with the law. For more information about the Award, the winners and nominees, please visit http://canada.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/yj-jj/awards-prix/awards-prix.html .
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