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Department of Justice Institutional Functions, Programs and Activities

Legal Services

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada provides legal services to the federal government and its departments and agencies. The Minister is responsible for seeing that the administration of public affairs is in accordance with the law. The Minister is also responsible for examining all government bills and all government regulations for inconsistency with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Additionally, the Attorney General is responsible for advising the heads of departments on all matters of law and for conducting all litigation for federal departments or agencies on subjects within the authority or jurisdiction of Canada.

Advisory Services

Legal advisory services are integral to Justice Canada’s role in supporting the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada as Government’s chief law officer in terms of ongoing governmental operations and in the development of legislation, policies, programs and services for Canadians. Legal advisory services assist the Government in achieving its objectives in accordance with the law and in ensuring that it meets its constitutional obligations (including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms) and international obligations. Legal advisory professionals work in close collaboration with client departments and agencies in order to provide high quality bilingual and bijural legal services to support clients in achieving their departmental priorities. Legal advisory professionals also work with their Justice Canada colleagues to ensure the integration and coherence of advisory, legislative, policy and litigation advice in various legal areas. Legal advisory professionals also provide assistance to the Government in identifying its legal risks, thus helping client departments and agencies in factoring legal risks and implications into their chosen courses of action in delivering policies, programs and services to Canadians.

Advisory Services

Description:
Includes records related to the provision of legal advice and opinions to client departments and agencies as well as to the Department of Justice Canada. Records consist of detailed descriptions of a client's situation or question, interpretation of legal instruments, document review, preparation of contracts, agreements and other legal documentation, supporting background materials, descriptions of possible courses of action and related correspondence.
Document types:
Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documentation, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, legal opinions, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, White Papers, plans, policies, contracts and agreements, reports, reference materials, and meeting documentation.
Record number:
JUS LS 100

Commissions of Inquiry

Description:

Includes records related to commissions of inquiry that are called by the Governor-in-Council to fully and impartially investigate issues of national importance. The conclusions and the recommendations of a commission of inquiry are not binding. However, many of them have a considerable influence on public opinion. The mandate of a commission of inquiry, whether advisory or investigative, depends on the nature of the issue to be considered.

Document types:

Commission reports, briefings, submissions, evidence, and working papers.

Record number:
JUS LS 101

Judicial Affairs - Courts and Tribunal Support

Description:
Records may include information related to judicial affairs activities associated with the development and implementation of justice-related policies, law reforms and special initiatives (JAS). This includes: the provision of legal advice on a wide range of issues, including the scope and application of the judicature provisions of the Canadian Constitution; the application of the Judges Act; judicial independence; judicial compensation and benefits; the judicial appointments process; the structure and jurisdiction of superior and other courts; the structure, jurisdiction, complement and facilities of the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Appeal, the  Federal Court as well as the Tax Court of Canada; judicial discipline; technology in the courts; bilingual capacity of judges; international activities of judges; and federal government contact with the courts. JAS may provide policy support if changes are proposed to the federal judicial appointment process.
Document types:
Memoranda of law and fact, reports and studies, research material, communication strategies, guidelines, surveys, Bills, briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, legal opinions, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reference materials, presentations, and meeting documents.
Disclosure Summaries:
Information to follow.
Record number:
JUS LS 102

Legislative Services

This program provides bilingual and bijural legislative services to the government, including the drafting of government bills, government motions to amend bills before Parliament and proposed regulations and other statutory instruments. This program is also responsible, on behalf of the Minister of Justice, for ensuring that Government bills, regulations and other statutory instruments are reviewed in accordance with the Department of Justice Act, the Canadian Bill of Rights, and the Statutory Instruments Act. The program also provides legislative editing, linguistic comparison and bijural review of statutes and regulations as part of the drafting process and is responsible for harmonizing those texts with respect to principles, concepts and institutions of the civil law of Quebec and of the common law applicable elsewhere in Canada. The program is also responsible for the official publication of statutes following royal assent as well as the updating, consolidation and publication of an official electronic version of the federal statutes and regulations.

Legislative Services

Description:
Includes records related to the activities associated with: the drafting of all federal government bills and government motions to amend bills; the drafting and examination of proposed regulations and other statutory instruments; the official publishing of Acts of Parliament following Royal Assent and related tables; the updating and consolidation of federal statutes and regulations; and the bijural review of both existing and new legislation to ensure that the civil law and common law traditions are reflected in federal laws and regulations in both official languages.
Document types:
Draft bills and motions to amend bills, draft regulations and other statutory instruments, briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, meeting documents, publications, jurilinguistic and bijural reviews, statutes, regulations.
Record number:
JUS LS 103

Litigation Services

Litigation services are integral to Justice Canada’s role in supporting the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada as Government’s chief law officer and as the officer responsible for the conduct of all litigation on behalf of the Crown. Under this program, legal professionals provide high quality bilingual and bijural litigation services to the federal government. They work with their colleagues across Justice to ensure the coherence and coordination of litigation, advisory, legislative, and policy services in specific legal areas. Litigation services assist the Government in achieving its objectives in accordance with the law and in ensuring that it meets its obligations under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and other constitutional and international obligations. This includes providing litigation services before all courts and before administrative and inquiry bodies, domestically and internationally. It also includes representing the federal government in the resolution of litigious or potentially litigious matters, using appropriate dispute prevention and resolution methods to promote early settlement, gathering and challenging evidence in accordance with applicable rules of evidence, and developing legal positions and making submissions in order to preserve the interests of client departments and agencies and those of the federal government as a whole.

Litigation Services

Description:
Includes records related to the legal support associated with the regulation and conduct of litigation provided to client departments and agencies, with an anticipated or actual appearance before a court or tribunal. Records include case preparation and management as well as advocacy and examination. They may also include alternative dispute prevention and resolution.
Document types:
Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, legal opinions, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, communiqués, reports, reference materials, meeting documents, minutes, court documents including statements of claim and defence, factums, and reasons for judgment.
Record number:
JUS LS 104

Justice Systems Support

The Department plays an essential role in ensuring a fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system. This is a shared responsibility among a broad range of players, including Parliament, the judiciary, federal departments and agencies, partners in provincial, territorial and municipal governments, a broad range of non-governmental organizations and stakeholders, and, ultimately, all Canadians.

Legal Policies, Laws and Governance

The Department monitors developments in law, policy and procedure; develops and implements options for legal enforcement and policy reforms through legislation; develops and provides information and services to implement new and existing policies and laws; and provides advice to other federal departments and agencies in matters related to justice-related laws and policies. This includes the areas of judicial affairs, criminal justice, victims of crime, youth justice, family justice, official languages, contraventions, bijuralism, Indigenous justice, human rights, privacy, access to information, security, and terrorism as well as legislative and regulatory processes. As the administration of justice is an area of shared jurisdiction, the Department works closely with the provinces and territories. The Department supports the Minister of Justice throughout the Cabinet and Parliamentary processes with respect to both justice reforms and Parliamentary business involving justice matters such as private members’ bills and Parliamentary reviews. The Department supports the government's international priorities through provision of policy advice in the development of Canada's international justice policies, the negotiation within bilateral or multilateral fora of international norms, treaties and conventions, the development of legal cooperation programs and the provision of legal technical assistance to foreign countries seeking to reform their justice system.

Criminal Conviction Review

Description:
Includes records pertaining to the Criminal Conviction Review process, mandated by the Criminal Code, which provides the Minister of Justice of Canada with the power to review a conviction in order to determine whether there may have been a miscarriage of justice. Upon submission of an application for ministerial review, a preliminary assessment is conducted. Records related to the preliminary assessment phase may include copies of documentation related to the criminal investigation, such as eye-witness statements, scientific testing, reports and consultations with law enforcement organizations. Dependent on the outcome of the preliminary assessment, records may also include those related to the investigation phase of the criminal conviction review process. Upon completion of an investigation, advice is provided to the Minister on whether a remedy is warranted in a particular criminal conviction case. An annual report is submitted to Parliament regarding the applications submitted and reviewed each fiscal year, which contains statistical data and other information related to the review process.
Document types:
Submissions, ministerial correspondence, applications, investigations, assessments, reports, memoranda, reference materials, waivers, forms, consultation documents and copies of investigative or court documents.
Record number:
JUS JSS 100

Family Law Assistance Services

Description:
Includes records related to activities under the Family Orders & Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act (FOAEAA), which : trace individuals in default of a family provision; intercept federal payments that would otherwise go to individuals who are in default of their family support obligations; and order the suspension or denial of federal licences and passports. Also includes records related to the detection of duplicate divorce proceedings in accordance with the Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings (CRDP) Regulations and records related to salary garnishment and/or remuneration paid to federal employees and contractors related to activities under Division I of the Garnishment, Attachment and Pension Diversion Act (GAPDA). These records include information contained within three databanks: the FOAEA automated information system; the CRDP, a nation-wide registry of divorce actions; and the Garnishment Registry for the National Capital Region under the GAPDA.
Document types:
Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Information Sharing Agreements, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, audit and financial documentation, application forms, garnishee summonses and other documents related to the administration of the three programs.
Record number:
JUS JSS 101

General International Relations

Description:
Includes records pertaining to the planning, coordination and organization of international visits to and from the Department. This includes exchanges between the Department of Justice Canada and international delegations interested in learning more about Canadian approaches to specific justice system issues.
Document types:
Briefing notes, administrative arrangements, contracts, research reports, reference materials, correspondence, and mission/visit schedules and agendas.
Record number:
JUS JSS 102

International Development - Technical Assistance

Description:
Includes records related to the development and implementation of technical assistance initiatives in support of foreign countries' efforts to improve their justice system. These initiatives are consistent with core Department of Justice Canada priorities, such as enhancing domestic security by strengthening the rule of law and anticrime capacity abroad, as well as with justice sector reform priorities of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.
Document types:
Briefing notes, administrative arrangements, memoranda of understanding, contracts, research reports, assessment reports, reference materials, correspondence, and mission/visits schedules and agendas.
Record number:
JUS JSS 103

Legal Policy Development

Description:
Includes records relating to policy development, which contributes to the development and maintenance of a fair and accessible justice system by law reform, policy analysis and development, program delivery, ongoing research and evaluation. Records include those related to planning, developing and implementing laws, policies and programs dealing with issues in Aboriginal and Northern justice, criminal justice and legal representation, victims of crime, youth justice, family justice as well as justice in official languages.
Document types:
Bills, briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, legal opinions, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Questions and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, research reports, caselaw reviews, presentations, meeting documents, training materials, House of Commons proceedings, regulations, opinions, appeals, appearance notices, warrants, subpoenas, summons, procedures, proceedings, treaties, studies.
Record number:
JUS JSS 104

Legal Representation

The Department supports access to justice and the efficient functioning of the Canadian justice system. The Department provides contribution funding to the Provinces and Territories to help ensure that economically disadvantaged individuals have access to legal advice, representation and information for criminal law, youth criminal justice, and immigration and refugee matters. Provinces, territories, or their legal aid service delivery entities also receive funding for the management and delivery of state-funded counsel, which includes court-ordered counsel in federal prosecutions, and legal aid in national security matters. In addition, grants and contributions funding is also made available to other recipients to support: (1) Special Advocates in Division 9 proceedings under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act; and (2) the prosecution of capital market fraud cases.

Access to Justice Services in the Territories

Description:
Includes records related to Access to Justice Services Agreements, which integrate federal government funding support to Canada's 3 territories for access to justice services (including criminal and civil legal aid, the Indigenous Courtwork Program, and public legal education and information) through ongoing contribution agreements. These agreements allow the territories the flexibility needed to provide these services in a challenging environment (vast distances, harsh climate or cultural/linguistic differences).
Document types:
Briefing notes, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies and procedures, contribution agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, copies of relevant legislation, statistical reports and surveys, contract and supporting documentation, audit and financial documentation, program design documentation, training materials, analysis and evaluation, and community referrals.
Record number:
JUS JSS 105

Integrated Market Enforcement Teams

Description:
Includes records related to the Integrated Market Enforcement Teams (IMET) Reserve Fund which encourages provinces to participate in the IMET Program as well as to play a role in the prosecution of IMET-generated cases by providing funding to provincial Attorneys-General that would defray exceptional costs related to these prosecutions.
Document types:
Briefing notes, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, contribution agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, copies of relevant legislation, statistical reports and surveys, contract and supporting documentation, and audit and financial documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 106

State-Funded Counsel

Description:
Includes records related to court-ordered counsel in federal prosecutions, where the Department of Justice Canada has secured permanent funding for the management of court-ordered counsel, on behalf of the federal government, in federal prosecutions. These cases involve federal prosecutions where the charge is serious and there is a likelihood of incarceration upon conviction. This funding reduces the likelihood of a stay of proceedings due to lack of defence counsel. It also includes records related to legal aid in national security cases, where contributions are provided to cover costs for persons eligible for legal aid. This funding is necessary given the federal government's strong policy interest in national security and related legal proceedings.
Document types:
Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 107

Legal Aid – Immigration and Refugee

Description:
Includes records related to the Legal Aid Program, which provides ongoing funding to provincial governments and legal aid service providers for the provision of immigration and refugee legal aid services in eight provinces. This funding provides access to legal aid services for economically disadvantaged asylum seekers and individuals involved in certain immigration proceedings.
Document types:
Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, legal opinions, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and funding documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 108

Legal Aid – Impact of Race and Culture Assessments

Description:
Includes records related to the Legal Aid Program, which provides contribution funding for the implementation of Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) in six provinces. Funding is also provided for the training of qualified individuals in the preparation of IRCAs and for continuing professional development courses for justice system professionals. IRCAs provide necessary information on the effect of systemic racism, discrimination, and adversity that Black and other racialized communities individuals may experience, and help articulate how it might inform the circumstances of the offender, and their experiences in the criminal justice system.
Document types:
Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, legal opinions, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and funding documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 109

Legal Aid – Legal Advice for Complainants of Workplace Sexual Harassment

Description:
Includes records related to the Legal Aid Program, which provides temporary funding (2024-25 to 2026-27) to support organizations that provide legal information, advice, and ancillary services nationally as well as across provinces and territories to persons who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.
Document types:
Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, legal opinions, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and funding documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 110

Special Advocates

Description:
Includes records related to the Special Advocates Program, created pursuant to Division 9 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), which provides for the involvement of a special advocate in IRPA proceedings when hearings are conducted in the absence of a foreign national or permanent resident (the interested party) or their counsel. Special advocates are senior private sector, security- cleared lawyers appointed by court or the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada to protect the interests of the interested party when evidence is heard in their absence, the absence of the public and their legal counsel. This regime is intended to strike the appropriate balance between the named person's right to a fair hearing and the need to protect information, the disclosure of which would be injurious to national security or would endanger the safety of any person. Special advocates are funded by, but not affiliated with, the federal government. Records also reflect the Canadian Minister of Justice's responsibility through the Program to maintain a list of persons who may act as a special advocate in such proceedings as well as the Minister's responsibility to ensure that special advocates have adequate administrative support and resources.
Document types:
Briefing notes, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, contribution agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, copies of relevant legislation, statistical reports and surveys, contract and supporting documentation, and audit and financial documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 111

Drug Treatment Court Funding Program

The Department provides grants and contributions funding to provinces and territories through the Drug Treatment Court Funding Program to promote and strengthen the use of alternatives to incarceration for non-violent drug addicted offenders.

Drug Treatment Courts

Description:
Includes records related to the Drug Treatment Courts (DTCs) Program, which provides funding that supports a comprehensive approach to reducing the number of crimes committed to support drug dependence. DTCs include the following interrelated components: judicial supervision, comprehensive substance abuse treatment, random and frequent drug testing, incentives and sanctions, clinical case management, and social services support.
Document types:
Briefing notes, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, contribution agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, copies of relevant legislation, statistical reports and surveys, contract and supporting documentation, and audit and financial documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 112

Contraventions Regime

The Contraventions Act provides an alternative to the summary conviction process set out in Part XXVII of the Criminal Code for prosecuting certain federal offences. The Department manages the Contraventions Act Fund that provides funding to provinces, territories and municipalities where the Contraventions Act is implemented so that they can fulfill linguistic duties on behalf of the federal government delivering judicial and extra-judicial measures in a manner consistent with the applicable language rights set out in sections 530 and 530.1 of the Criminal Code and in Part IV of the Official Languages Act.

Contraventions Act Fund - Official Languages

Description:
Includes records relating to the Contraventions Act Fund, established to provide financial support to provinces, territories and municipalities who undertake measures on behalf of Canada to guarantee languages rights regarding the enforcement and administration of the Contraventions Act. In the case of judicial services, the Fund ensures that the provinces, territories and municipalities, acting on behalf of the federal government, comply with the language rights set out in sections 530 and 530.1 of the Criminal Code, which pertain to the language of the accused. In the case of extra-judicial services, the Fund ensures that they comply with the language obligations set out under Part IV of the Official Languages Act, which deal with communications with and services to the public, including active offer.
Document types:
Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, contribution agreements,  White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 113

Victims of Crime

The Department, through grants and contributions funding, aims to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime. As part of the Federal Victims Strategy, the Department provides funding to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to increase awareness and knowledge of victim issues, legislation and services available, as well as to develop and deliver victim programs, services and assistance to meet gaps in services for victims of crime. Funding is also available to establish specialized services for families of missing or murdered Indigenous women. The Department also provides direct, limited, emergency financial assistance to individual victims in certain specified circumstances, including travel for registered victims to attend Parole Board of Canada hearings and support for Canadians victimized abroad.

Federal Victims Strategy

Description:
Includes records related to the Federal Victims Strategy (FVS), a multi-pronged initiative whose mandate is to give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system and increase their access to justice. Working in collaboration with victims, victim advocates, provincial and territorial governments, other federal departments, service providers and others involved in the criminal justice system, the FVS is the main federal authority for legal, policy and program work on issues of concern to victims of crime. The work of the FVS is grounded in 3 strategic activities that permit a wide range of victim-related work: program development and delivery; policy development and federal leadership; and criminal law reform. This work may include legal and policy advice as well as projects and programs for victims of crime, victim-serving organizations or allied professionals. Records therefore may include information related to the FVS's Victims Fund, public legal education and awareness initiatives, legislative reform and policy development as well as research and federal coordination in the area of victim policy and program activities.
Document types:
Briefing notes, impact statements, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, contribution agreements, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, fact sheets, reference materials, reviews, presentations, research reports, caselaw reviews, meeting documents, audit and financial documentation, project reports, final reports and evaluations, Treasury Board submissions, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, Green Papers and Option Papers.
Record number:
JUS JSS 114

Family Violence Initiative

Description:
Includes records pertaining to the Department of Justice Canada's role in the federal government's Family Violence Initiative, which involves 15 partner federal departments with the Public Health Agency of Canada as the lead. This role aims to reduce family violence in Canada by strengthening the justice system's response to the issue through law reform, policy analysis and development, public awareness, program delivery and research. Records may include information related to: reviewing, planning, developing and implementing laws and policies dealing with the response of the criminal and family justice systems to family violence; developing strategies, models and tools to improve service or program delivery to family violence victims, raising public awareness of the legal issues surrounding family violence; and developing and implementing support for child victims of or witnesses to family violence as participants in the criminal justice process. Records may also include information related to addressing the needs of service providers for hard-to-reach and vulnerable groups, such as children, and aboriginal and ethno-cultural communities.
Document types:
Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 115

Youth Justice

The Department promotes the protection of the public by supporting programs and services which are consistent with the objectives of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The Department provides contribution funding to the provinces and territories for programs and services aimed at youth in conflict with the law which encourages their accountability, rehabilitation and reintegration into the community; promote diversion from the formal court process where appropriate; and reserve custody for the most serious offenders. Funding is also provided to the provinces and territories for specialized therapeutic programs and services for youth with mental health needs who are convicted of a serious violent offence. Finally, funding is available to a wide range of recipients for projects which encourage a more effective youth justice system, respond to youth justice issues and enable greater citizen and community participation in the youth justice system. Such projects include programs specifically aimed at youth in conflict with the law, training for justice professionals and youth service providers and research.

Youth Justice Initiative

Description:
Includes records pertaining to the Youth Justice Initiative, the objectives of which are to: encourage a fair and effective youth justice system; respond to emerging youth justice issues; and enable greater citizen/community participation in the youth justice system. These objectives entail the interpretation and development of youth justice policy, including monitoring and analysis of the implementation of the Youth Criminal Justice Act as well as responding to youth justice issues within broader strategic initiatives such as the National Anti-Drug Strategy, Aboriginal justice, the prevention of violence against Aboriginal women and girls as well as access to justice for people with Fetal Alcohol Disorder. Activities may consist of: reviewing; planning; developing and implementing policies, strategies, models and tools; training; and public legal education and awareness initiatives. Records may also include information related to transfer payment programs under the Initiative: the Youth Justice Fund (which funds activities designed to encourage a more effective youth justice system, enable greater citizen/community participation in the youth justice system and respond to emerging youth justice issues such as cyber-bullying), the Youth Justice Services Funding Program (which provides financial assistance to the provinces and territories in their provision of a range of youth justice services and programs that are consistent with federal policy objectives), and the Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program (which provides financial assistance to the provinces and territories in their provision of the specialized services required for serious violent youth offenders with mental health issues).
Document types:
Briefing notes, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, evaluations (through statistical reports and surveys), federal-provincial- territorial documentation (such as agendas, meeting minutes and lists of members), contract and supporting documentation, and audit and financial documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 116

Family Justice

The Department, through grants and contributions funding, provides support to Canadians experiencing separation and divorce by facilitating effective delivery of programs and services, such as parent education, mediation, support enforcement and child support recalculation, and developing family law information and training resources. Family justice funding assists the provinces and territories to develop and provide family justice services and programs that are aimed at enhancing the capacity of parents to reach appropriate custody, access and support agreements and comply with those agreements. Federal funding also assists non-government organizations in developing family law information and training resources, supports implementation of the Department’s legislative obligations and policy priorities in the area of family justice, and provides support to program evaluation by collecting and reporting on the funding data.

Federal Support for Family Justice Initiative

Description:
Includes records related to funding for the Federal Support for Family Justice Initiative, a range of services, programs and information resources that assist separating or divorcing families in gaining access to the family justice system. The Canadian Family Justice Fund is a major component of the Initiative that provides funding to provinces and territories for their family justice services and programs and to non-governmental organizations for their public legal education and information activities, professional training projects and information resources, particularly those that promote parental compliance with financial support and custody/access obligations.
Document types:
Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, contribution agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation
Record number:
JUS JSS 117

Indigenous Justice

The Department contributes funding to the provinces and territories for programs and services which provides culturally appropriate assistance to Indigenous people navigating the criminal justice system. The Department also provides funding to a range of recipients who deliver programs which provide culturally relevant alternatives to the mainstream justice system for Indigenous people. Finally, the Department provides contribution funding to the territories to help ensure that Northern residents have access to legal representation and advice as well as information on the justice system.

Indigenous Courtwork

Description:
Includes records related to the Indigenous Courtwork Program which provides ongoing funding to provinces in order to increase access to justice for all Indigenous people who come into contact with the criminal justice system by ensuring they receive fair, equitable, culturally sensitive treatment. Provinces must contribute at least 50% of the funding to Indigenous service delivery agencies to provide a range of Indigenous Courtwork services that include non-legal advice as well as referrals to justice-related services such as legal aid, alcohol and drug treatment as well as family counselling. Records may also include information related to procedures and policies, program design, analysis and evaluation, program administration, training, community referrals, contract terms and conditions, and language requirements.
Document types:
Briefing notes, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, contribution agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, copies of relevant legislation, statistical reports and surveys, contract and supporting documentation, and audit and financial documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 118

Indigenous Justice Strategy

Description:
Includes records related to the Indigenous Justice Program (IJP), a federally-led program delivered in partnership with all thirteen provinces and territories aimed at addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system, as victims, accused and offenders. Operating within the framework of the law, AJS programs provide cost-effective alternatives to mainstream justice processing by holding offenders accountable for low-level non-violent offences according to the same principles used in non-Indigenous cases. Records may include information relating to procedures and policies, program design, analysis and evaluation, program administration, terms and conditions and training.
Document types:
Policy related reports and position papers, briefing notes, presentations, ministerial correspondence, communication plans and products, evaluation criteria, results and reports, Cabinet confidences, federal-provincial-territorial documentation (including agendas, minutes of meetings and list of members), corporate reporting documentation, Memoranda of Understanding, policies, procedures and guidance on transfer payments, funding guides, program proposals (including objectives, budgets, plans, reports and statistics, anticipated results as well as deliverables), contribution agreements, statistical reports and surveys, contract and supporting documentation, and audit and financial documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 119

Indigenous Partnership Fund

Description:
Includes records related to the administration of the Indigenous Partnership Fund (IPF) which supports ongoing consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. These consultations support cooperation between the Department of Justice and/or Government of Canada and Indigenous governments and organizations in various implementation, monitoring, and oversight processes and to ensure that laws, programs and policies are consistent with the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous People. Records may include proposal packages submitted by IPF applicants, established funding agreements between the recipients and Justice Canada; financial payment forms and void cheques; email correspondence; and project activity reports.
Document types:
Briefing notes, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, contribution agreements, grant agreements, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, copies of relevant legislation, contract and supporting documentation, and financial documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 120

Justice System Partnerships

The Department is dedicated to contributing to the development and maintenance of an accessible and fair Canadian justice system. This is achieved through: ongoing partnerships with the provinces and territories; financial support for specific non-governmental organizations engaged in building and disseminating knowledge about the justice system; and, project development and implementation in support of Department of Justice priorities. The Justice Partnership and Innovation Program support policy directions of the Department on issues related to family violence, missing and murdered Aboriginal women/violence against Aboriginal women and girls, access to justice, the harmonization of private international law and to support partnerships that contribute to building awareness, knowledge, understanding, and engaging the public and justice stakeholders in order to identify viable changes related to justice issues. Furthermore, the Department provides support to improve access to justice in both official languages from both a system and communities perspective through the Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund.

Justice Partnership and Innovation

Description:
Includes records related to funding that provides support for innovative projects that ensure greater access to the justice system. This funding supports activities that respond effectively to the changing conditions affecting Canadian justice policy. It contributes to a more informed and engaged public and legal community with regard to the law and the legal system. Records also include those related to funding provided for projects specifically concerning family violence.
Document types:
Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, contribution agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 121

Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Initiative

Description:
Includes files related to the Access to Justice in the Official Languages Support Fund (Support Fund). The Support Fund is a grants and contributions program designed to support and facilitate access to justice in the minority official language. The priorities of the Support Fund are based on two distinct axes and cross-cutting activities. The first axis, Support for Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs), aims to contribute to the vitality of communities and focuses on activities related to the delivery of services to the public. The second axis, Support for the Justice System, aims to strengthen the bilingual capacity of the justice system through language training, professional development and the enhancement of the language of law. In addition, these two axes must integrate cross-cutting priorities in equity, diversity and inclusion as well as scientific research and evidence gathering. The Support Fund can finance a wide range of projects, including the creation of legal and linguistic tools, workshops and training for lawyers and other bilingual justice system stakeholders, and the development of educational materials and legal information for the public .The activities and projects undertaken under the Support Fund support the Government's commitments to promote the equal status and use of English and French by enhancing the vitality of English and French linguistic minority communities and supporting their development, taking into account their uniqueness, diversity and historical and cultural contributions to Canadian society, and promoting the full recognition and use of English and French in Canadian society. The Support Fund is part of the Action Plan for Canada's Official Languages.
Document types:
Bills, briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q&A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, contribution agreements, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation.
Record number:
JUS JSS 122

Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime

The Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) was created to provide a voice for victims of crime at the federal level and to ensure that the federal government meets its commitments to victims. The Office provides direct information, referral and complaint review services to its primary clients – victims, victims’ family members or representatives, victim serving agencies, and other related stakeholders. The Office also helps raise awareness of systemic issues among all criminal justice and victim serving personnel as well as provides related recommendations and advice to the Government of Canada through the Minister of Justice. To fulfill its mandate, the Office promotes access by victims to existing federal programs and services for victims; addresses complaints of victims about compliance with the provisions of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, promotes awareness of the needs and concerns of victims and the applicable laws that benefit victims of crime including Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and the principles set out in the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime; identifies and reviews emerging and systemic issues that negatively impact victims of crime; and facilitates access by victims to existing federal programs and services by providing them with information and referrals. The Ombudsperson reports directly to the Minister of Justice and as such, the Office falls outside the Department’s governance framework.

Reviews, Inquiries and Recommendations

Description:
Includes records related to the requests for information from or the complaints made by victims of crime, victim advocates and victim serving organisations that are received by the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime. In addition, records may include research and review of emerging and systemic issues that impact negatively on victims of crime, with a view of making recommendations to the federal government.
Document types:
Presentations, communications documentation, reports, correspondence, analysis documentation, case reviews/summaries, interviews, waiver and consent forms, activity logs, memoranda, briefing notes, meeting documents, findings and recommendations.
Record number:
JUS JSS 123

Internal Services

Internal services constitute groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are management and oversight services, communications services, legal services, human resources management services, financial management services, information management services, information technology services, real property services, materiel services, acquisition services, and travel and other administrative services. Internal services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

Legend
  • Standard Class of Records (CoRs)
    • Standard Personal Information Banks (PIBs)
Acquisition Services

Acquisition services involve activities undertaken to acquire a good or service to fulfill a properly completed request (including a complete and accurate definition of requirements and certification that funds are available) until entering into or amending a contract.

Communications Services

Communications services involve activities undertaken to ensure that Government of Canada communications are effectively managed, well coordinated and responsive to the diverse information needs of the public. The communications management function ensures that the public—internal or external—receives government information, and that the views and concerns of the public are taken into account in the planning, management and evaluation of policies, programs, services and initiatives.

Financial Management Services

Financial management services involve activities undertaken to ensure the prudent use of public resources, including planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, control and oversight, analysis, decision support and advice, and financial systems.

Human Resources Management Services

Human resources management services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction, allocating resources among services and processes, as well as activities relating to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies and plans.

Information Management Services

Information management services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective information management to support program and service delivery; foster informed decision making; facilitate accountability, transparency and collaboration; and preserve and ensure access to information and records for the benefit of present and future generations.

Information Technology Services

Information technology services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective use of information technology to support government priorities and program delivery, to increase productivity, and to enhance services to the public.

Legal Services

Legal services involve activities undertaken to enable government departments and agencies to pursue policy, program and service delivery priorities and objectives within a legally sound framework.

Management and Oversight Services

Management and oversight services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction and allocating resources among services and processes, as well as those activities related to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies or plans.

Materiel Services

Materiel services involve activities undertaken to ensure that materiel can be managed by departments in a sustainable and financially responsible manner that supports the costeffective and efficient delivery of government programs.

Real Property Services

Real property services involve activities undertaken to ensure that real property is managed in a sustainable and financially responsible manner, throughout its life cycle, to support the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.

Travel and Other Administrative Services

Travel and other administrative services include Government of Canada travel services, as well as those other internal services that do not smoothly fit with any of the internal services categories.