2016 Recipients

Individual

Justice Minister Diana Whalen presents Carlos Beals with the individual award.

Carlos Beals, a leader within Ceasefire, a violence reduction project that saves lives, redirects high risk youth and strengthens community. As a Supervisor, Mr. Beals promotes teamwork, flexibility, and diversity to staff and clients. He develops meaningful relationships with clients, residents, community groups, and service providers. He has mediated several conflicts using motivational skills and other strategies to prevent violence from escalating. This work has, at times, put his own safety at risk. Mr. Beals' dedication to community and hard work ethic are deserving of recognition.

Justice Minister Diana Whalen presents Dr. Jennifer Bernier with the individual award.

Dr. Jennifer Bernier has built BRAVE (Centre of Building Resilience through Anti Violence) a non-profit organization that serves 6- to 11-year-old girls experiencing social, emotional and/or behavioural challenges from the ground up. As well, Dr. Bernier developed the award-winning Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) program which addresses bullying, delinquency and criminalization among at-risk and justice-involved youth, including raising $3.4 million to address bullying and coordinating research into the benefits of all-girls empowerment groups. Dr. Bernier has worked directly with families for many years to help them achieve their goals and remain positive, engaged members of our community.

Business

Justice Minister Diana Whalen presents Rickey and Peggy Macdonald parents of Luke MacDonald accepting his behalf the business award.

Luke MacDonald is part owner of Aerobics First, a retail shop in Halifax focused on footwear, skis, triathlon gear, and active apparel. An "energetic visionary who is changing the lives of hundreds of youth and mobilizing people to take action," Mr. MacDonald runs a running and reading program in several elementary schools in communities at risk, ensuring children who need them are outfitted with school supplies and new running shoes, meeting with youth to read and to engage in physical activity. His many amazing contributions are helping to improve physical and mental health, literacy, self-esteem, and decision-making skills amongst youth.

Youth

Justice Minister Diana Whalen presents Donna Jewers accepting on behalf of Andrew Hennebury the youth award.

Andrew Henneberry is presently attending RCMP training in Regina. He attended Saint Mary's University as a full-time student in criminology while working with the RCMP in the Strategic Planning and Client Service Unit. He volunteered with the RCMP's victim services program, offering emotional support, court support, and case information assistance, as well as a volunteer leader with the RCMP Stetson and Spurs youth program, and the Halifax Regional Police's Citizens on Patrol program.

Community

Justice Minister Diana Whalen presents Tony Robinson and Ron Cheverie, of Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers with the community award.

Under the leadership of Tony Robinson and Ron Cheverie, Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers has been an invaluable tool for concerned citizens to remain anonymous when reporting criminal activities. They worked with Aboriginal communities and the Chief and Band Councils to help build a strong foundation of respect, trust, and cooperation on crime prevention, a new initiative in Nova Scotia.

Police

Justice Minister Diana Whalen presents Constable Nathan Sparks, R.C.M.P., Guysborough, with the policing award.

Constable Nathan Sparks is described as a leader among his peers in Guysborough and "the heart of community policing initiatives" in the area. He helps citizens to feel safe in their communities and forges positive relationships with community partners, particularly youth. He championed a Hybrid Hub model in Guysborough, which has been instrumental in helping troubled youth before they end up in court. He also makes sure police officers are frequent visitors to all schools in the community, even if there is considerable distance between them.

Justice Minister Diana Whalen presents Constable Mark Stevens, Halifax Regional Police with the policing award.

Constable Mark Stevens, Halifax Regional Police, is a true leader in helping at-risk youth, taking personal ownership of the Scotia Court area of Dartmouth. His genuine and transparent approach to policing has helped him build strong relationships with youth and the broader community. The Demetreous Lane Community Centre, the foundation of his efforts, offers youth a place to go after school to access vital programming. As a result, many people in conflict with the law have turned themselves in to police in a safe and peaceful manner. Cst. Stevens also assists the Mary-Beth Chaulk Assistance Foundation in providing free hockey gear to youth who would otherwise not have the opportunity play the game. He also helps the force's media relations team to promote crosswalk safety and supports "Blue the Dog," HRP's mascot.

Justice Minister Diana Whalen presents Sheila Serfas with the policing award.

Sheila Serfas, a civilian member of the RCMP for more than 20 years, creates evidence-based products that help operations and overall decision making. Her work has contributed to the double digit reductions in crimes of opportunity over the past five years in Halifax. She shares her expertise on crime prevention and reduction at national and international conferences and local universities. She is participating in a working group on reducing recidivism and better reintegrating offenders released from incarceration; as well as she works with a committee that reviews domestic violence policies and is mapping and tracking victims at high risk for domestic violence to help officers respond quickly.

Restorative Approach/Restorative Justice

Justice Minister Diana Whalen presents Richard Derible with the restorative approach/restorative justice award.

Richard Derible's contributions to youth have spanned his remarkable career as a teacher, principal, and now as a school board administrator. He understands that strong relationships make stronger and healthier communities and those who have worked with him have been inspired by the authenticity and depth of his commitment. When he was Principal of Ecolé St. Catherine's School, he brought in a restorative approach to foster a community of staff, teachers, students, and parents that knew how to support and care about one another. His leadership established and implemented a restorative approach across Nova Scotia's school system. His achievements and expertise have been recognized in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, the US, and Canada. The Human Rights Commission, Public Service Commission, and the departments of Community Services and Justice have also benefitted from Richard's work.

Justice Minister Diana Whalen presents Constable Colin Helm with the restorative approach/restorative justice award.

Constable Colin Helm has been described as the 'face' of Digby RCMP. His leadership in community engagement and new ways of thinking have been key to preventing and reducing crime. Cst. Helm promotes positive community relations with African Nova Scotian and Aboriginal communities, coaches high school basketball and promotes car seat safety. He has also been a key community resource on cybercrime and cyberbullying, holding sessions for students and seniors and spreading the message within his detachment. His leadership on Operation TOM, or Think of Me, where children draw pictures that are handed out to motorists at checkpoints, can help reduce speeding and promote general safety.