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2mo ago

Prince George Opens Canada’s First Pre‑Charge Indigenous Diversion Centre

The federally funded pilot lets RCMP refer eligible people into a 90‑day healing program in place of laying charges.

The BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) says the pre-charge program is the first of its kind in Canada and allows RCMP officers to refer individuals directly to the centre, where they begin a 90-day diversion process involving a clinical counsellor, a social worker and an Indigenous Elder.
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B.C. First Nations Justice Council chair Kory Wilson signs an agreement with Prince George RCMP Supt. Darin Rappel.

Overview

  • BCFNJC and the Prince George RCMP formalized the partnership at a grand opening on Lheidli T’enneh territory.
  • RCMP officers can make pre‑charge referrals for minor, non‑violent offences such as shoplifting, fraud or mischief.
  • Participants undertake a 90‑day plan with a clinical counsellor, a social worker and Elder‑in‑residence Marcel Gagnon guiding cultural healing and accountability.
  • Police have begun training on the process, and the centre says it is open and receiving referrals.
  • The pilot will be evaluated for its impact on recidivism and Indigenous over‑representation, which B.C. Corrections reports at 36% versus about 6% of the adult population.