A different kind of justice is possible, and it works.
For more than 20 years, Peacebuilders Canada has been a leader in youth advocacy and conflict resolution. Our dialogue-based practices are anchored in restorative circles, which we use across schools, courts and communities.
Founded on a simple truth: young people deserve second chances.
Peacebuilders was founded by Eva Marszewski, a Toronto lawyer and mediator, because the traditional justice system too often failed young people. It pushed them deeper into cycles of punishment rather than toward healing.
Eva believed there had to be a better way: one that brings the people harmed and the people who caused harm together with their community, to understand what happened and repair it. Communities heal when harm is met with accountability and compassion. That belief still guides every circle we run.
A future where youth facing barriers can access justice, reach their full potential and contribute to safer, healthier communities.
To enhance the capacity of youth and the systems that support them, increase access to justice for youth facing barriers and utilize restorative practices to foster accountability, healing and growth.
Respect
We honour the voices, perspectives and experiences of every individual we work with.
Empathy
We approach each interaction with compassion, recognizing the shared humanity in every story.
Accountability
We take responsibility for our actions and their impact.
Community
We strengthen connections by working together and supporting one another.
Equity
We work to remove barriers, particularly for youth facing systemic barriers.
Where we're headed by 2028.
Our plan for 2025 to 2028 builds on two decades of work to reach more youth facing barriers and push for change across the justice and education systems.
Download Vision 2028 (PDF)Program innovation and excellence
Refine what works, pilot new initiatives, and scale successful programs across the GTA.
Sustainable growth and financial stability
Diversify funding and grow revenue by 50% from 2025 to support our growing programs.
Community impact and engagement
Amplify youth voices through our Youth Ambassadors and advocate for policy that reduces youth involvement in the justice system.
See the work in action.
Hear from the young people, facilitators and partners behind our circles.
Watch our videosPeacebuilders Canada respects that we are on the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, and it is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. This territory is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa bands.
The Seven Generations Principle teaches that decisions made today should result in positive and sustainable outcomes for the next seven generations.
We believe building a just future requires acknowledging past harms, addressing present inequities and taking intentional steps toward meaningful change. Peacebuilders Canada acknowledges the history of Black people who were forcibly brought to Canada through the transatlantic slave trade, and the enduring impact of anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination that Black communities continue to face today. We also recognize that Indigenous and Black communities share interconnected histories of displacement, oppression and resilience.
Read the full statement in Vision 2028 ›The people who hold the circle.
Our staff, board, patrons and advisors bring experience from courts, classrooms, communities and business.
Meet our people