Family lawyer Melissa Bourgeois received the Enhancing Justice Award
The Alberta government has recognized ten community leaders for their exceptional contributions to crime prevention and public safety during the 33rd annual Alberta Community Justice Awards.
Held in Camrose on September 13, the event, hosted in partnership with the Camrose Police Service and the Association of Communities Against Abuse, celebrated individuals and organizations making a significant impact on community safety throughout the province.
Each year, the Alberta Community Justice Awards highlight the efforts of unsung heroes who innovate and lead in protecting their communities. This year, the awards were presented in four categories: Emerging Excellence, Innovation, Service Enhancement, and Partnerships and Collaboration. A newly introduced category, the Enhancing Justice Award, recognized efforts aimed at creating a more accessible and fair justice system.
“These leaders have shown through their actions how individuals and organizations can make a lasting impact on the well-being of their communities,” said Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. “I thank all the recipients for their hard work and dedication in keeping our neighborhoods safe and hope these awards inspire more Albertans to follow their lead.”
Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, also extended his congratulations, stating, “The Alberta Community Justice Awards offer an opportunity to express appreciation for this work, and I thank and commend this year’s recipients for their contributions towards strengthening Alberta’s justice system and improving public safety.”
Among the honorees was Melissa Bourgeois, a family lawyer with One Family Law, who received the Enhancing Justice Award for her innovative approach to divorce proceedings. Bourgeois worked with the Law Society of Alberta to pioneer a service delivery model where one lawyer is jointly retained by both parties in divorce cases, providing neutral legal advice aimed at reducing conflict and trauma. Bourgeois expressed her gratitude, saying, “The Community Justice Awards highlight the vital role community justice plays in shaping a fairer society.”
The Emerging Excellence Award was presented to Cathy Bergquist, a founding member of the Cochrane & District Youth Justice Committee. Bergquist’s work focuses on empowering youth involved in the justice system by providing education, training, and second chances.
The Partnerships and Collaboration Award went to several leaders, including Constable Jeffery Hewitt of Blackfalds, who serves as the school resource and liaison officer for the Rural Red Deer Restorative Justice Program, and Jenifer Ambrose of Red Deer, who advocates for victims of sexual assault through the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre.
Alberta’s government emphasized that the award recipients demonstrate how individuals and organizations can contribute to a safer, more just society.
