New liaisons take on hate crime

FILE: The Alberta Legislative Building has housed the chambers of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta since its completion in 1913. (Photo By Kenneth Hynek from Edmonton, Canada – Alberta Legislature – 2, CC BY 2.0)

Two new hate crimes community liaisons will help connect groups affected by hate crimes with the justice system to help protect vulnerable Albertans.

The Alberta government has appointed Cecilia Mzvondiwa and Landon Turlock as the province’s first-ever hate crimes community liaisons. They will work directly with cultural communities most targeted by hate and bias-motivated crimes. The two liaisons will recommend to government how to develop and implement a coordinated and comprehensive strategy to prevent these crimes and best support victims.

“Alberta is taking a multi-faceted approach to protecting those targeted by hate and bias-motivated crimes from the criminals who target them. I am excited to see the many ways that our new community liaisons help us focus our law enforcement responses and supports for victims on the people who are most in need.”

Tyler Shandro, Minister of Justice and Solicitor General

“I am pleased to see the appointment of Alberta’s first hate crimes liaisons. The two liaisons will be important resources in assisting government with outreach into our diverse cultural communities to help deal with hate crimes and racism.”

Muhammad Yaseen, Associate Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism

“Hate crimes are a challenging reality in Alberta communities. To combat hate and create safe communities, we need to work together. I look forward to engaging our communities and stakeholders to create a safe environment where every Albertan can have a sense of security and belonging.”

Cecilia Mzvondiwa, hate crimes community liaison

“I am grateful for this new opportunity and look forward to working alongside those who are most affected by hate crimes and incidents in our province. It is my hope that, together, we will see success in ongoing efforts to address these issues.”

Landon Turlock, hate crimes community liaison

The new liaisons join a growing list of provincial actions to curb hate crimes in Alberta and better support those who are targeted.

The province introduced the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program to provide grant funding for targeted organizations to bolster protective measures, and this year the funding was more than doubled to help even more organizations.

The Alberta government also created the Hate Crimes Coordination Unit to work with law enforcement groups across the province to help reduce and respond to hate-driven occurrences. The unit is up and running with a full staff.

Biographies

Cecilia Mzvondiwa is the founder and CEO of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultancy, and is a certified leadership coach and diversity and inclusion facilitator. Most recently, she served as a lawyer with Dobko & Wheaton, providing legal support and advice on immigration and family matters.

Landon Turlock has served the City of Edmonton as a community safety liaison coordinating and leading public engagements to inform community-based crime prevention partnerships. He is educated and experienced in social work and community engagement.

Both appointments are for two-year terms effective May 25, 2022.