Building peaceful communities means a better quality of life for all Canadians. The University of Prince Edward Island is the site of the 14th Annual Atlantic Crime Prevention Conference, June 15 to 18, 2000 which has also attracted national interest. Conference 2000 is unique in its design as it is based on the aboriginal medicine wheel. This model seeks to balance the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of individuals and communities.
Delegates, from across Canada, can share their experiences through presentations and workshops highlighting programs and activities that work to prevent crime. "Communities can build the capacity to teach each other how to challenge violence and prevent crime," said the Honourable Jeffrey Lantz, Attorney General for the Province of Prince Edward Island. "Conferences, like this one, set the stage for healthy networking opportunities that can influence the policies of this country."
Inclusion will play a big part in C2000 in keeping with the United Nations Year of the Culture of Peace. When we hear about crime and violence in the news, the issue of people not belonging or feeling left out keeps coming up time and time again. What can be done to ensure that everyone has a place and feels that they belong? The Prince Edward Island Promise of Inclusion of October 24, 1998, will be highlighted as an example of what communities can do.
Jill Lightwood and Ann Sherman, Conference Co-Chairs, see the conference as a catalyst for change and want to thank everyone who has helped make it a reality. The volunteers who have worked on the conference have done so because they believe we can successfully challenge violence. Funding support has been obtained from a variety of national, regional and local sponsors who share this belief. The idea of community and government working together to reduce crime and victimization will be strongly promoted at Conference 2000. Over 250 delegates are registered and represent a wide cross section of the Canadian population: aboriginal communities, business people, community councils, correctional workers, crime prevention associations, educators, all levels of government, institutions, media, police, private sector, seniors and youth.
The Law Commission of Canada, in conjunction with Conference 2000, will present a Community Forum on Justice on June 14 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm in the Wanda Wyatt Hall at UPEI. The event is free of charge and open to the public. The Community Forum on Justice will explore communities' experiences with restorative justice.
Conference 2000 is hosted through a partnership with the Atlantic Coordinating Committee on Crime Prevention and Community Safety, the PEI Crime Prevention Association, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Office of the Attorney General of Prince Edward Island.
For more information contact: Dianne Barnes, Conference 2000 Program and Coordination Chair, Office of the Attorney General.Cell Phone: 1-902-430-2448, E-mail: dbarnes@isn.net, C2000,Website:www.upei.ca/~extensio/conference2000.htm