Safer For All

Across Canada, communities are increasingly calling for stronger police accountability and improved relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. From urban centers to remote regions, issues of police violence, systemic bias, and unresolved cases have created a growing demand for transparent, responsible policing practices that protect and serve everyone.

About the Project

The Safer for All project is a critical initiative by the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC), made possible through support from the City of Edmonton and the Department of Canadian Heritage. This project builds on years of engagement with legal professionals, community organizations, victims, and survivors of crime, focusing on their interactions with law enforcement. Aligned with data from Justice Canada and the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, the project highlights the disproportionate impact of policing on racialized communities, particularly QTBIPOC individuals. Our efforts aim to:

  • Raise awareness of systemic racism in law enforcement.

  • Provide educational tools and support to affected communities.

  • Advocate for meaningful institutional reforms that promote accountability and justice.

Since 2023, JHC has produced and disseminated two powerful documentaries—Journey for Justice and Safer for All—that center the experiences of community members and experts. Additionally, we have facilitated conferences, dialogues, and policy discussions to advance reform efforts.

Key Issues

A sharp rise in cases reported through JHC’s Stride Advocacy program underscores the urgent need to address institutional racism in policing. Many racialized community members—especially Indigenous and Black individuals—face discrimination when seeking justice, leading to deep-seated mistrust of police. High-profile cases such as those of Mathios Arkangelo, Pacey Dumas, and Steven Nguyen illustrate the profound disconnect between law enforcement and marginalized communities in Edmonton, fueling calls for systemic change and enhanced accountability.

Project Goals and Objectives

The Safer for All project has three core objectives:

  1. Education and Engagement: Equip political leaders at the municipal and provincial levels with knowledge about systemic racism in law enforcement.

  2. Amplifying Voices: Provide platforms for victims and survivors of police violence to share their stories, increasing public awareness and fostering community dialogue.

  3. Legal and Collaborative Support: Strengthen legal assistance and advocacy efforts for victims and survivors while promoting cross-sector partnerships for systemic change.

Our Work in Police Accountability

JHC has actively engaged in police accountability work for over seven years, leading initiatives that:

  • Center the voices of victims, survivors, and their families in justice reform efforts.

  • Advocate for increased police oversight and policy changes.

  • Strengthen relationships between law enforcement, legal professionals, and community organizations.

Past Initiatives:

  • 2023 - Journey for Justice Documentary: Created in collaboration with Edmonton’s Somali and Indigenous communities, this documentary explores the struggles of families seeking justice for their loved ones.

  • Safer for All Documentary and Bus Tour: A cross-sectoral engagement with 42 participants to document experiences and explore paths for change.

  • Ignite Change Convention Discussions: Facilitated dialogues on policing and public safety, identifying key areas for reform.

Amid rising homelessness, poverty, and social tensions, our goal is to bridge the gap between law enforcement and communities to ensure effective and equitable policing solutions.

Upcoming Event: Safer for All Community Forum

Date: April 12, 2025
Location: ArtsHub Ortona, Edmonton
Forum: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM MST
Evening Film Screening: Safer for All (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM MST)

This forum is a collaborative space for dialogue, learning, and action, bringing together policymakers, community leaders, and advocates to discuss pathways forward.

Forum Highlights:

  • Keynote Address by Dr. Temitope Oriola - A leading expert on police reform and advisor on Alberta’s Police Act Review.

  • Roundtable Discussion with Experts: Including Robert Philp, Rachelle Gladue, Bryce Ward, and Irfan Chaudhry.

  • Workshops and Working Groups: Focused on identifying concrete actions for change.

  • Documentary Screening: Safer for All—featuring community perspectives on police violence and accountability.

To participate, email info@jhcentre.org.

Safer for All Documentary and Toolkit

The Safer for All documentary captures real-life experiences from both police officers and community members affected by police misconduct. Produced in partnership with Lost Time Media, the film aims to:

  • Raise awareness about police violence and systemic bias.

  • Highlight gaps in accountability and justice.

  • Inspire discussions and policy actions that promote safer communities.

The Safer for All Toolkit accompanies the film, providing resources for community discussions, legal education, and advocacy efforts.

Journey for Justice: Addressing Unsolved Cases

Numerous cases of Somali-Canadian youth being murdered in Edmonton remain unsolved, leaving families without closure. In collaboration with the Taccalusa Institute and the Coalition for Justice and Human Rights, JHC has been working to bring attention to these cases and expose systemic failures within the justice system.

Key Initiatives:

  • 2022 Town Hall and Report: Collected community testimonies, identified barriers, and proposed justice reform recommendations.

  • 2023 Documentary Launch: Journey for Justice amplifies the voices of families and explores commonalities between Somali and Indigenous experiences with law enforcement.

The documentary calls for cross-community solidarity and systemic reforms to ensure justice for all.

Additional Resources for Dialogue

For further learning, we recommend these investigative reports and media resources:

Together, these resources emphasize the urgent need for policing reform and accountability, offering pathways for reflection, dialogue, and action toward a more just society.