#123 | In the Blind Spot – Episode 6: Restorative Justice in Canada: Lessons from Alberta

The traditional model of Canadian criminal law is a state-centred adversarial process designed to punish, deter, or rehabilitate. But once the trial is over and the sentence is imposed, has justice truly addressed the harm caused by crime? Restorative justice approaches ask different questions: Who has been harmed? What do they need? And who is responsible for addressing those needs, repairing the harm, or restoring relationships?

In this 6th episode of the series "In the Blind Spot," the Honourable Justice Simon Ruel, of the Court of Appeal of Quebec, speaks with the Honourable Deputy Chief Justice Joanne Durant and the Honourable Justice Michelle Christopher, both of the Alberta Court of Justice, and the Honourable Justice Anna Loparco, of the Court of King's Bench of Alberta. Together, they discuss the principles and benefits of restorative approaches in the legal system, the myths surrounding them, and the roles of judges, prosecutors, and defence counsel. The three guests also share what they have learned from Alberta's Restorative Justice Project, launched in 2022.

Guest

• The Honourable Deputy Chief Justice Joanne Durant, Alberta Court of Justice
• The Honourable Justice Michelle Christopher, Alberta Court of Justice
• The Honourable Justice Anna Loparco, Court of King's Bench of Alberta

Host

• The Honourable Justice Simon Ruel, Court of Appeal of Quebec