Policing and Justice Through Advocacy

 
 

Across Canada, communities are increasingly calling for stronger police accountability and meaningful reform within the justice system. From urban centers to remote spaces, issues of police violence, systemic bias, and unresolved cases have created a growing demand for transparent, responsible policing practices that protect and serve everyone. The resources below—Safer for All and Journey for Justice—are powerful tools developed to foster awareness, dialogue, and action.

Safer for All

Safer for All is a documentary that captures stories from both police officers and community members who have faced negative interactions with law enforcement. The film, created in partnership with Lost Time Media, aims to shed light on issues of police violence and accountability across Canada. Although Edmonton-based, it addresses challenges nationwide, affecting communities on reserves and in both small towns and big cities.

The film aspires to ignite discussions on:

  • Minimizing police violence.

  • Ensuring accountability in cases of police misconduct.

  • Building safer communities across Canada.

The Safer for All Toolkit
Alongside the film, the Safer for All toolkit was created as a resource for dialogue among community members, legal professionals, families, and law enforcement. Key elements include:

  • Addressing systemic racism and bias in Canadian policing.

  • Facilitating discussions on the need for robust accountability.

  • Promoting collaborative efforts to reform the justice system for a safer Canada.

The toolkit is designed to complement screenings of the film and can be used by communities across the country.

Journey for Justice


There are numerous cases of Somali-Canadian young men and youth that have been murdered in Edmonton however the cases remain unsolved, leaving families without closure. The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC), the Taccalusa Institute, and the Coalition for Justice and Human Rights have worked to bring attention to these cases and highlight systemic failures in the justice system.

2022 Town Hall and Report
In 2022, a town hall was held to gather community and stakeholder voices. The resulting report:

  • Retains Voices: Maintains the original words of contributors to reflect their lived experiences.

  • Identifies Barriers: Pinpoints obstacles families face when seeking justice.

  • Suggests Solutions: Offers actionable recommendations to address justice system inadequacies.

Documentary (Launched 2023)
Launched in 2023 during Black History Month, Journey for Justice shares the stories of Somali families seeking justice for their loved ones. The documentary connects these issues to similar challenges faced by Indigenous communities and calls for unity and 

reform.

Purpose of the Documentary

  • Awareness and Advocacy: Highlights injustices families face and mobilizes community action.

  • Interconnected Issues: Draws parallels with Indigenous cases, emphasizing the widespread need for justice reform.

  • Solidarity for Change: Urges collaboration among communities to demand a more accountable and inclusive justice system.

Together, these resources emphasize the need for accountable, community-centered policing and justice reform across Canada, offering pathways for reflection, conversation, and action to create a safer, more equitable society for all.

Read a reflection from the John Humphrey Centre’s Executive Director Renée Vaugeois, delivered as part of the March 16 2024 debut screening of Safer for All.

 

Special thanks to the Harbinger Media Network, Canadian Race Relations Foundation, and the many others who attended and shared their stories on the journey.