The Government of Canada is investing over $470,000 over two years to support the Moose Jaw Little Oak Child and Youth Justice Centre (CYAC) and expand the Victim Services Responder program. These investments, made in partnership with the Saskatchewan provincial government, aim to provide safe, child-friendly spaces and trauma-informed services for children and youth who are victims of abuse, ensuring families receive comprehensive support throughout the healing process.
The funding announcement was made by the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development), on behalf of Minister of Justice Sean Fraser, alongside Saskatchewan’s Minister of Justice Tim McLeod. During the announcement, the Secretary of State toured the newly opened CYAC in Moose Jaw with Minister McLeod and representatives from the Moose Jaw Police Service, highlighting the centre’s role in creating a supportive environment for young victims of abuse.
The Moose Jaw CYAC, funded through Justice Canada’s Victims Fund, offers a comfortable, safe space for children and youth while helping families navigate complex systems with the assistance of a collaborative multi-disciplinary team. This initiative is part of a broader federal effort to enhance access to justice, strengthen the capacity of service providers, and raise awareness of available support services for victims and survivors of crime.
Officials emphasized the importance of these programs in ensuring children are not alone when facing the justice system. Minister Fraser noted that centres like Little Oak provide critical safe spaces, while Secretary of State Belanger highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting trauma-affected youth in Saskatchewan. Minister McLeod underscored the provincial government’s dedication to helping victims navigate the justice system and build safe, healthy communities.
This Moose Jaw centre is the third CYAC in Saskatchewan supported by the federal and provincial governments, alongside facilities in Regina and Saskatoon, with a fourth in Lloydminster. Across Canada, CYACs annually assist approximately 20,000 children, youth, and their families. Over the past decade, Justice Canada has contributed more than $50 million to support 45 CYACs at various stages of development nationwide. Victim Services Responders provide guidance, support, and referrals from the initial interview through the completion of cases, ensuring comprehensive care.
Funding is provided through Justice Canada’s Victims Fund, which encourages innovative approaches to victim support, improves service provider capacity, strengthens referral networks, and increases awareness of available services for victims and their families.
