When individuals in the Pembina Valley find themselves in trouble with the law—often for the first time—it’s not always a courtroom where their case ends up. For over two decades, the Winkler Community Justice Committee has quietly played a pivotal role in guiding people through restorative justice, offering an alternative that focuses on responsibility, healing, and meaningful consequences.
This week, Jim Loewen and Heather Derksen shed some light on the work their committee does—and why most people don’t even know it exists.
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Restorative justice in action
“We help people right their wrongs,” says Derksen, when asked to summarize the committee’s mission. Loewen expands on the process: “Let’s say the loss prevention officer at Superstore catches you stealing. Police are called, charges are laid, and then the case is assessed to see if it can go through restorative justice instead of the courts.”
From there, the committee steps in. “We ask them right off the hop—do you take responsibility for your actions? If they say no, then we can’t help them. If they agree, we proceed,” Loewen explains.
Participation is voluntary, and the stakes are high. “It’s a chance to avoid a criminal record,” says Loewen. “That can follow you for the rest of your life.”
Avoiding the overburdened court system
While restorative justice aims to help individuals make amends, it also eases the burden on the judicial system. “The courts are full,” says Derksen. “A lot of small cases are thrown out or bumped up. There just isn’t always time.”
Still, individuals referred to the committee must first be charged and attend an initial court appearance. “But when the courts know they’re coming through restorative justice,” Derksen says, “they often don’t have to go back.”
The Winkler Community Justice Committee has existed since 2001, after separating from a broader regional group. It now serves not only Winkler but surrounding communities including the R.M. of Stanley and others in the Pembina Valley. Loewen has served for 20 years, while Derksen has been involved for 15.
Accountability and Restitution
Restorative justice goes beyond apologies. Offenders are expected to compensate victims where possible and contribute positively to the community.
“If something was stolen and not recovered,” Loewen explains, “we try to get restitution. The client would have to reimburse the victim—something they may never see if the case goes through regular court.”
Victims often benefit more directly under this system. “Let’s say your stolen product is recovered, and you get it back. But even if not, we do our best to get that value back to you,” says Loewen.
Preventing lifelong consequences
Avoiding a criminal record is a major incentive for those who participate. “We make it clear they won’t get a criminal record if they follow the conditions we set,” says Loewen. “But we don’t write anything up unless they agree to it.”
Derksen adds that each case is approached with flexibility. “We have the control to set the conditions that we feel are suitable for each case,” she says. “It’s not one-size-fits-all.”
Though their work is often unseen, its impact is tangible. “The fact that you don’t know what we do is a good thing,” Derksen says. “You don’t want to know what we do. You want to see the benefits of it.”
Loewen agrees. “A lot of good comes from it,” he says. “It’s about making things right—for the individual, for the victim, and for the community.”
For more information on the Winkler and Area Justice Committee or how restorative justice is used across Manitoba, visit the Restorative Justice section on the Manitoba government website.