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Albertans now have the opportunity to recognize the everyday heroes helping keep communities safe across the province as nominations officially open for the 2026 Alberta Community Justice Awards.

Held every two years, the awards celebrate individuals, teams and organizations making meaningful contributions to public safety, crime prevention, victim support and community resilience. From police officers and lawyers to volunteers and victim advocates, the program highlights those working behind the scenes to strengthen Alberta communities.

This year’s awards program has expanded to include new categories focused on offender rehabilitation and emergency preparedness, recognizing the many ways Albertans contribute to safer and stronger communities.

Award recipients will be honoured this fall during a ceremony in Lethbridge co-hosted by Alberta’s government, the Lethbridge Police Service and the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce.

Mike Ellis said the awards are intended to shine a light on those whose efforts often go unnoticed.

“Many people do heroic things quietly and without recognition, and the Alberta Community Justice Awards are a way to show them how much they’re appreciated. Through these awards, the government celebrates the everyday leadership of those who make extraordinary contributions to community justice, public safety and emergency management.”

Mickey Amery emphasized the importance of collaboration in building safer communities.

“Safe communities are built through collaboration, cooperation and commitment to serving others. These awards highlight the incredible work being done across the province to prevent and address crime, and to strengthen trust in the system by ensuring Albertans have access to timely and effective justice, which is a government priority.”

The 2026 Alberta Community Justice Awards will feature five nomination categories:

• Enhancing Access to Justice Award – recognizing individuals who help make the justice system easier to access and understand.
• Representing and Assisting Victims Award – honouring those who provide compassionate support and advocacy for victims of crime.
• Responding to and Preventing Crime and Violence Award – celebrating initiatives aimed at reducing crime and violence through community partnerships and prevention strategies.
• Advancing Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration Award – highlighting programs that support accountability, healing and safe reintegration into society.
• Supporting Disaster Readiness and Community Resilience Award – recognizing efforts that help communities prepare for and recover from emergencies and disasters.

Albertans can nominate an individual, team or organization by completing a nomination form and submitting it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before noon on June 30.

For more information about Alberta Community Justice Awards, visit the Government of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/alberta-community-justice-awards.

Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.