NIC, Community Justice Centre announce partnership
NIC and the Comox Valley’s Community Justice Centre have joined forces to improve public knowledge of the justice system and enhance educational opportunities for students.
The college and the CJC will work together to support the Annual Campagnolo Lectures in Restorative Justice, thanks to a new partnership agreement signed this week.
The agreement guarantees 25 free tickets for the event for NIC students each year. “This is a terrific opportunity for students,” said NIC criminology instructor Geri Bemister. “In addition to hearing some of the best legal minds’ thoughts on our justice system, it’s a great chance to meet leaders in the field, network and enjoy an opportunity they might not otherwise be able to access.”
The event features a guest speaker who offers insight into the role, function and effects of restorative justice. Past speakers include former Canadian governor general Adrienne Clarkson and former Supreme Court of Canada chief justice Beverley McLachlin.
“We are working with the staff of the Honourable Jody Wilson‐Raybould, Canada’s minister of justice and attorney general, in hopes of confirming a date for this year’s event,” said Community Justice Centre administrator Bruce Curtis at the event.
Restorative Justice is a voluntary process that aims to address the harm caused by crime while holding the offender responsible for their actions. Examples include formal apologies, group discussions and face‐to‐face meetings.
NIC president John Bowman – whose sabbatical last spring and summer focused on building stronger ties between the college and community organizations – voiced support for the partnership.
“The Campagnolo Lectures are an important example of how NIC works with partners across the North Island,” Bowman said. “The lectures play a vital role in understanding restorative justice in our community and NIC is proud to be a part of them.”
Andrew Stringfellow, president of the CJC Board of Directors, also praised the new agreement.
“Having a partner like NIC means the Campagnolo Lectures will have even greater reach and impact in the future,” said Stringfellow. “We’re very excited to move forward with this agreement.”
The Campagnolo Lectures are named in honour of former BC lieutenant governor Iona Campagnolo.