Breaking Bread is a project from the TRU Students’ Union that connects students with community leaders through small group discussions around shared topics of interest.
On March 10, 2021 the Union hosted BC Supreme Court Justice Len Marchand Jr. for a discussion on Alternative Solutions in the Justice System. Justice Len Marchand Jr. is a member of the Okanagan Indian Band and grew up here in Kamloops. Marchand has dedicated large parts of his career to achieving reconciliation for Indigenous peoples, including helping to negotiate the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, which was the largest class-action settlement in Canadian history. Marchand has also presided in First Nations Court in Kamloops, where, with input from Elders, healing plans are developed for offenders.
Questions considered by the group included:
- What types of alternative models for justice are commonly used within the justice system?
- How is the justice system changing?
- How much flexibility do judges have within the system?
- What do you see as the biggest challenges in the justice system today?
- As well as other topics
If you are interested in being a part of a future discussion, let us know at campaigns@trusu.ca. We’re also happy to hear from you if you have a great idea for a discussion topic or community leader to get in touch with.