The Nova Scotia Criminal Justice Association is a provincial, non-governmental association founded in 2006. Our members include individuals working in all areas of the justice system as well as our partners in the fields of health, education, and social services. We are involved in a range of activities aimed at promoting a humane, equitable and effective criminal justice system including our annual workshop and awards for students and service in the criminal justice system. Our Goals Encourage cooperation among individuals and groups in Nova Scotia interested in resolving problems that derive from criminal and delinquent behavior; Promote awareness and understanding of current issues in Canadian criminal justice, including legislation, criminal justice services, public education, rehabilitation and victim resources; Foster and promote improved criminal justice programs, policies and legislation; and Acquire and disseminate information and knowledge about all aspects of criminal justice. Our Bylaws Our bylaws can be viewed in PDF format here Our History The Nova Scotia Criminology and Corrections Association was founded in the mid-1970s. This Association was very active in its early years, sponsoring regional and provincial workshops and hosting very successful CCJA Congresses in 1979 and 1989. The organization ceased activity in the late 90s as members retired. In early 2005, at the urging of Willie Gibbs, then President of the CCJA, a meeting was called to assess interest in resurrecting the association. Participants resoundingly endorsed the establishment of the Nova Scotia Criminal Justice Association. In November of 2005 a founding meeting was held and a provisional board was appointed including: Pamela Harrison, Verona Singer, Maria Franks, Cindy MacKinnon-North, Dan MacRury, Kit Waters, Fred Honsberger, Karen Meins and John McMullan. The group served as an interim executive committee creating a draft constitution and putting forward a slate of officers at the first annual meeting in March of 2006. Since then we have remained active sponsoring workshops and training events, including a lecture by Professor Archie Kaiser of Dalhousie University “The Criminalization of People with Mental Health Problems on Nova Scotia: Opportunities for Innovation” in March 2006; Peacemaking Circle Training conducted by Kay Pranis and Jane Miller-Ashton in May 2006; and a major workshop Lessons from Nunn: A Collaborative Course in March 2007. We sponsored the workshop Building the Crime Prevention Continuum: Where do you fit in? at Saint Mary’s University in April of 2008 and in March of 2009 we held another workshop: Seeking Social Justice: Aboriginal Encounters with the Justice System. In April 2009, we were presented with the Canadian Bar Association Law Day award which honours, recognizes, and celebrates the contribution of organizations who: Foster greater public understanding of the Canadian justice system and the role of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms within that system; Encourage and promote access to justice; Inform and educate the public about the courts, law enforcement agencies, the justice system and the legal profession; Act as advocates on behalf of citizens in the Canadian justice system. In October 2009, along with the Canadian Criminal Justice Association, we hosted over 400 delegates for the 2009 Canadian Congress: Problem-Solving Justice: What Problems? Whose Justice? On April 30, 2010 the Association, again in partnership with the Justice Learning Centre and Saint Mary’s University presented a workshop entitled: African Nova Scotians and the Criminal Justice System: Conversations toward solutions. Criteria For Appointment As A Board Member Click hyperlink to open: NSCJA Board Criteria Our Board Executive President Marlee Jordan Research Associate, Piers Labs Read bio Marlee Jordan Marlee Jordan is a social issues researcher/ evaluator and current President of the Nova Scotia Criminal Justice Association (NSCJA), a provincial, non-governmental association founded in 2006 dedicated to promoting a humane, equitable and effective criminal justice system. Marlee strives to work collaboratively with community and government partners to create and promote people-first, evidence-based solutions in justice and health systems. Her passion for social justice, community safety and mental health through collaborative problem-solving and education has helped NSCJA continue to build relationships and increase awareness of improved criminal justice programs and policies across Nova Scotia. ” QUOTE” I see the criminal justice system as one of the most important systems to learn from and adopt approaches that are person-first and evidence-based. I believe these approaches have proven to meaningfully support justice-involved individuals and communities, improve wellbeing, and reduce justice-involvement. Working alongside community and government can help us strengthen relationships and implement these approaches by enhancing understanding and collaboration needed for positive change. Marlee holds a Masters and bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminology from Saint Mary’s University. Outside of work, Marlee spends time with her family and dogs enjoying the outdoors and loves to cook, read and travel. Secretary Jerome Downey Canadian Armed Forces, Public Affairs Officer Read bio Jerome Downey Jerome L. Downey is a Canadian Armed Forces Public Affairs Officer and the founder of DMF Energy Inc., a consultancy specializing in leadership development, energy initiatives, and strategic stakeholder engagement across Atlantic Canada. He is an active contributor to the Nova Scotia Criminal Justice Association, where he supports efforts to strengthen community engagement, promote justice sector collaboration, and advance public awareness on issues affecting safety and social well-being. A former finance professional and Mount Allison University graduate, Downey is recognized for his ability to bridge military, governmental, and community networks to support meaningful, outcomes-focused initiatives across the region. Vice President Erik Nielson Manager, Policy and Program, Correctional Services, NS Department of Justice Read bio Erik Nielson NSCJA Executive member Erik has been employed with Nova Scotia Correctional Services for the past 28 years. During that time, he has held positions of Youth Worker, Probation/Senior Probation Officer and currently as a Manager of Policy and Programs. His responsibilities include oversight of electronic monitoring and bail supervision programs, in addition to working closely with non-profit partners in advancing their supportive housing initiatives. He tries to implement a restorative approach in everything he does, and he feels that collaboration and relationship building with community agencies is vital to providing support and services to individuals involved with the justice system. In his personal time, he enjoys travelling and was involved with coaching basketball for 10 years. Treasurer David Mills Director, Correctional Services, NS Department of Justice Read bio David Mills David Mills has over 22 years of experience with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, working across finance, procurement, policy, and operational leadership. He is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and the Corrections Exemplary Service Medal. After a decade working within a correctional facility, David has been at Correctional Services’ head office since 2013. David currently serves as Director of Operations & Administration, where he oversees divisional budgets, procurement, administrative services, food services operations, and interdepartmental liaison functions. With more than 35 years of experience across nonprofit organizations, corporate environments, and small business ownership, he is known for his detail-oriented approach, strong governance skills, and operational leadership. David holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Acadia University. Past President Vacant Vacant Directors Janis Aitken Community Member Read bio Janis Aitken Member of the NSCJA Governance Committee and John Dunlop Memorial Award Committee Prior to her retirement in 2024, following a 51 year career with NS Correctional Services, Janis was an employee with the Department of Health for 2 years (1971-1973) as a social worker at the Victoria General Hospital. She transferred to the Department of Justice (then known as the Attorney General’s Department) in 1973, where she held various positions, beginning as a Probation Officer, Regional Supervisor, Senior Probation Officer, and Part-time Trainer, finishing her career as a Provincial Program Officer. Her work experience provided her with a wide variety of opportunities including management, program development and implementation, supervision of student social worker placements, and part-time instructor at the Dalhousie School of Social Work and St. Mary’s University. Additionally, Janis continues to be a Registered Social Worker with the NS College of Social Workers and is a longstanding member of two community boards: Coverdale Justice Society and NS John Howard Society. Janis completed a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology & English) at Mt. St. Vincent University and a Masters of Social Work at the University of Toronto. Virginia Clark-Druhan Community Member/ Communication Committee Chair Read bio Virginia Clark-Druhan Virginia attended the University of Kings College and Dalhousie University graduating in 1985. She began her 35 plus year career with the Correctional Service of Canada that same year. Throughout her career she worked in various locations and capacities, always in the field of parole supervision. She finished her career as Parole Officer Supervisor for the Dartmouth Parole Office and the Nova Scotia Women’s Supervision Unit. During her career she worked closely with community and criminal justice partners to improve outcomes for those under supervision. She has been a member of the Board of Directors for NSCJA for several years, including being a member of the executive. “The NSCJA has the unique capacity to bring together people from a wide range of backgrounds to work in a collaborative manner to highlight and bring awareness to criminal justice matters.” J Patrick Young Senior Crown Attorney, NS Public Prosecution Service Read bio J Patrick Young NSCJA Governance Committee Member Member of the NSCJA Board of Directors since 2023. Recipient of Nova Scotia Criminal Justice Association John Dunlop Award for exceptional contribution to the Justice system and youth in 2021. Patrick has been a lawyer for nearly 20 years. He was admitted to the Bar in Nova Scotia in 2010, and was called to the Bar in P.E.I. (2006) and Alberta (2007). Patrick serves as a Senior Crown Counsel with the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service. He has demonstrated the ability to work on the province’s most difficult, high-profile, and sensitive cases, while dealing expeditiously with a high-volume of routine files. He is a member of the PPS Sexual Violence Working Group, and Firearms Working Group, which provides policy advice and monitors recent developments in the law. Patrick has a Bachelor of Arts (First Class Standing) from the University of Prince Edward Island, a Master of Arts (High Honours) from Carleton University, a Bachelor of laws from the University of New Brunswick, and is a candidate for a Master of Laws in Criminal Law and Procedure (LL.M.) from Osgoode Hall. Patrick volunteers considerable time to the legal profession, and the community. He is a Board member of the Canadian Criminal Justice Association (CCJA). He is the former Co-Chair of the PPS Education Committee (2018-2021), which plans conferences and continuing education events for the PPS. Patrick mentors new Crown Attorneys and law students. He is serving his fifth term as President of the Pictou County Barrister’s Society and was its Secretary-Treasurer (2011-2016). Patrick was a Board member of the Nova Scotia Barrister’s Society Council (2019-2025) and continues to serve on many of its committees, including the Criminal Standards Committee. He is a member of the executive of the Nova Scotia Crown Attorneys Association for the Central Region and Chairs the Grievance Committee. Patrick teaches and lectures at conferences, seminars, and training sessions on the topic of criminal law, evidence, and trial advocacy. Kit Waters NSCJA Policy and Education Committee member Read bio Kit Waters Employed by the Nova Scotia Department of Justice for 30 years, retiring as Executive Director of Policy and Information Management. During that time, she was a member of teams that established the NS Restorative Justice Program, implemented the Youth Criminal Justice Act and developed the Framework for Action Against Family Violence. Following retirement from the provincial government, she worked as a consultant in the criminal justice field, conducting policy research and program evaluations. From 2004-14 she taught a number of criminology courses at Saint Mary’s University. Kit is a founding member of the Nova Scotia Criminal Justice Association; former Board member and President of the John Howard Society of Nova Scotia; volunteer with CoSA Nova Scotia and United Way Halifax. From 2024-present she has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Seniors’ College Association of NS. With members of the NSCJA and criminal justice experts, she coordinated the delivery of two SCANS courses: Criminal Justice System in Nova Scotia: Issues and Challenges and Criminal Justice in NS: One Size does not Fit All. Robin Angel Strategic Advisor, Occupational Health and Safety, Correctional Services, NS Department of Justice Read bio Robin Angel She/Her Robin Angel M.Sc. CRSP, is a safety professional with over 30 years’ experience in occupational health & safety (OHS). Robin has a Master of Science degree from Royal Roads University (British Columbia) and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Guelph (Ontario), and Certificate in Risk Management from the University of Toronto Robin has worked in chemical manufacturing, oil and gas exploration, oil refinery operations, manufacturing, and provincial and federal governments in the areas of safety, occupational hygiene, international auditing of safety, environmental, and quality management systems. Robin has instructed university courses in Industrial Hygiene, Measurement & Analysis, Occupational Health and Safety Systems, and Risk Management. Robin is currently employed with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice as Strategic Advisor Occupational Health and Safety with the oversight of four adult facilities and one youth centre and 27 Community Corrections offices. In 2022 and 2023 Robin was given the Canadian Occupational Safety Top Woman in Safety award and she was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of significant service to the province and service during COVID-19. Robin is the Treasurer of the Board of the John Howard Society of Nova Scotia and the Director-at-Large Atlantic Region on the Board of Health and Safety Professionals Canada. Steven Deveau Executive Director, 7th Step Society of Nova Scotia Read bio Steven Deveau Steven Deveau has been working in the mental health and addiction field for 13 years. He is a certified peer supporter and a certified coach practitioner. His lived experience has driven him to help others in his community through his work and in his daily life. He believes in the power of hope and gratitude to encourage recovery and wellness for people struggling with mental health, addictions, and in conflict with the law. Ian Brewster Parole Officer Supervisor, Correctional Services Canada Read bio Ian Brewster Member of the John DunlopMemorial Committee and the Policy and Education Committee. IIan Brewster is a seasoned criminal justice professional with nearly two decades of experience in parole and community corrections with the Correctional Service Canada. A graduate of Saint Mary’s University, Ian began his career as a community Parole Officer in Calgary, Alberta, in 2007. In 2010, he transitioned to an institutional Parole Officer role in Dorchester Penitentiary, before returning to the community in Moncton, New Brunswick, in 2014. Since 2016, Ian has served as the Parole Officer Supervisor in Kentville, Nova Scotia, where he leads a dedicated team in supporting offender reintegration and public safety. His commitment to excellence and community engagement was recognized in 2024 when he received the prestigious John Dunlop Memorial Award for outstanding contribution to the criminal justice system and volunteer service with Scouts Canada. In 2025, Ian joined the Nova Scotia Criminal Justice Association (NSCJA) Board, bringing his leadership experience and passion for community engagement and public safety to the organization’s mission of advancing best practices and collaboration across the criminal justice sector. Fred Honsberger Community Member Read bio Fred Honsberger Member of NSCJA Board of Directors since 2006, President (2017 – 2019) Chair, John Dunlop Memorial Award since 1987. Member, Policy and Program Committee 40-years in Correctional Services started in 1968 as a Correctional officer in Kitchener Ontario. Following move to Nova Scotia in 1975, worked as a probation officer, Director of Community Corrections and Executive Director of Correctional Services. Working beside teams of talented professionals, career highlights include introduction of program alternatives to custody, new Corrections Act, replacement of most old county jails with new correctional facilities – including Canada’s first co-located forensic hospital and correctional facility, Canada’s first tobacco-free correctional facility environment (2001) and Canada’s first transfer of responsibility for provincial adult and youth custody health care from Justice to the provincial health authority (2000 – 2003). Led Justice response to Shelburne Abuse allegations at weekly meetings from 1994 to 2009. 30 years with Aboriginal programs / services including 11 years as Provincial Co-chair of the Mi’kmaq Tripartite Justice Sub-Committee (1998-2009) which developed Mi’kmaq Legal Support Network (MLSN). Justice representative on interdepartmental committees regarding Employment Equity, Occupational Health and Safety, Workplace Wellness, Management Classifications, Peace Officers’ Memorial, Forensic Services, African Nova Scotia Services, Cultural Awareness, Race Relations and associate member of NS Chiefs of Police. Nationally, initiated Heads of Community Corrections committee in 1982, (serving until 1994) served on Heads of Corrections (1994 to 2009). Represented Nova Scotia Justice at National Youth Justice forum (1982 – 2000) during transition from 1908 Juvenile Delinquents Act to 1984 Young Offenders Act and 2001 Youth Criminal Justice Act. Retirement Boards include Nova Scotia Criminal Justice Association, YMCA Trustees, Coverdale Justice Agency, Sir William Young Benevolent Fund, John Howard Society, Halifax Board of Police Commissioners, Bonnie Lea Farm and Hospice Halifax. Organizes Halifax Explosion recognition Cannon/Church Bell/ Navy ship siren soundings each Dec. 6. Co-authored, with 35 Justice Colleagues in Canada, — “Provincial Correctional Services: An Introductory Overview” —- for new staff and new Ministers. Education: BA (1970) : Sir Wilfred Laurier; MA (Crim) (1973) : Univ. of Ottawa. Jennifer Flanders-Schofield Manager, Policy and Compliance, Victim Services, NS Department of Justice Read bio Jennifer Flanders-Schofield NSCJA Board Member since Spring 2025 Committees: Communications, Policy & Education, Student Award Jennifer is a Mount Allison graduate, living in the Annapolis Valley. She has worked with Nova Scotia Dept of Justice for over 30 years. The first half with Correctional Services at the Nova Scotia Youth Centre and then working on the flip side with Victim Services in various roles, currently Manager of Policy & Compliance. Jennifer is a Peer Support with DoJ. Throughout the years Jennifer has volunteered within her community including Restorative Justice, Scouting, Big Brothers & Sisters and as a CNIB Puppy Raiser. Pegah Memarpour Management Consultant, Pier Labs Read bio Pegah Memarpour Pegah (she/her) is a Principal at Davis Pier and has spent over 10 years working with public and not-for-profit sectors with a focus on research, policy analysis, program development, project management, and strategic planning. Pegah has a passion for and significant experience working in the justice, corrections, and public safety sectors across Atlantic Canada. Pegah holds a Master of Liberal Arts Degree from Memorial University, with a specialization in criminology, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from York University, and Diploma in Social Service Work. Meg Ternes Associate Professor, Psychology, Saint Mary’s University Read bio Meg Ternes Meg Ternes is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Saint Mary’s University. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, she completed her undergraduate degree at St. Francis Xavier University and she earned her PhD in Forensic Psychology from the University of British Columbia. Prior to joining Saint Mary’s, she worked for Correctional Service Canada’s Research Branch. At Saint Mary’s, Meg teaches and mentors in forensic psychology topics and conducts research related to correctional psychology, police investigations, and the role of victims in the justice system. Diana MacKinnon Community Member Read bio Diana MacKinnon Member of the NSCJA Board of Directors for several years Member of the Communications Committee and Board Development and Governance Committee Prior to her retirement Diana was employed with the NS Department of Justice in various roles including Director, Correctional Services (1996-2009, 2010-2017), Director, Public Safety (2009-2010), Executive Director, Correctional Services (2016-2017), interim Executive Director, Courts Services (2017 – 2018). She was previously employed by the Ontario Ministry of Correctional Services, where she began her career as a correctional officer at the Ottawa Carleton Detention Centre. Diana has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Brunswick, a certificate in Criminology from Algonquin College, and Masters in Public Administration (Management) from Dalhousie University. Mike Warren Senior Probation Officer (Kentville) Correctional Service, NS Department of Justice Read bio Mike Warren Member of the John Dunlop Memorial Award and Student Award Committees Mike Warren completed a Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies degree from Cape Breton University and continued his studies in Criminology at Saint Mary’s University. Mike was born and raised in Newfoundland and Labrador and came to Nova Scotia in 1997 to attend university where he fell in love with the province. He moved to Halifax in 2000 and continues to reside in the area. Mike has worked in many facets of the Criminal Justice System including being a volunteer with Restorative Justice, a Correctional Officer, a Deputy Sheriff, a Probation Officer and his current role is Senior Probation Officer for the Annapolis Valley Community Corrections. Mike believes in a client-centred philosophy and approach and has made many worthy connections over the years to best serve the population of the Annapolis Valley and Nova Scotia but more importantly, the clientele with whom we work.
