Alberta Legislature in 2016. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Alberta appoints first-ever hate crime community liaisons

May 27, 2022 | 3:50 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The Government of Alberta is taking steps to address hate crimes through two new appointments.

Cecilia Mzvondiwa and Landon Turlock are the province’s first-ever hate crimes community liaisons.

They will work directly with cultural communities most targeted by hate and bias-motivated crimes and provide recommendations to the government on how to prevent these crimes and support victims.

Associate Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism Muhammad Yaseen says the appointments of new liaisons are part of a growing list of provincial actions to curb hate crimes in Alberta.

“I am pleased to see the appointment of Alberta’s first hate crimes liaisons,” says Yaseen. “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.”

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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.

She says 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,” says Mzvondiwa.

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 has experience in social work and community engagement.

He hopes that his and Mzvondiwa’s appointments will make a difference for those who are targeted by hate crimes.

“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,” says Turlock.

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

In 2021, the provincial government announced the Alberta Security Infrastructure Program, which provides funding for security upgrades to groups that are at risk of being targeted by hate-inspired violence or vandalism.

READ MORE: Province announces program to protect targets of hate-motivated crimes

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