2024 to 2025 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy Report
Justice Canada

Develop UN Declaration Act Annual Reports in consultation and collaboration with Indigenous partners.

Program:

Legal Policies, Laws, and Governance; Indigenous Justice

Performance indicator:

Number of Indigenous partners who participated in a consultation and collaboration process on annual report development.

Starting points:

18 Indigenous partners (2022-23 Annual Report).

Targets:

Minimum 15% increase year-over-year in the number of Indigenous partners participating in the development of the Annual Report.

To ensure that the implementation of the UN Declaration within Canada is having positive impacts for Indigenous peoples, it is necessary that Indigenous voices and perspectives be reflected in annual reporting. The UN Declaration Act requires that the Annual Progress Report be developed in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples. The annual report and the reporting process will need to be carried out in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous partners. The objective is to increasingly expand the number of partners that contribute to annual reporting to ensure a broad range of perspectives are reflected. Reflecting Indigenous Peoples voices through annual reporting is critical for holding the Government of Canada accountable for implementation and to build trust with Indigenous peoples and their representative organizations.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 10.2: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.

Indicator result:

As of March 31, 2025, 58 Indigenous partners participated in a consultation and collaboration process on the annual report development. This is a 4% increase from 2023-24 Annual Report cycle.

Notes:

The Department has exceeded the target set out at the onset of this Strategy.

While the annual target was not achieved in 2024-25, the increase in partners in 23-24 was 181% higher than if an increase of 15% was maintained over the course of the Strategy.

Implementation of Action Plan measures

Program:

Various, Justice Canada

Performance indicator:

Percentage of the Justice-led Action Plan commitments that have demonstrated progress.

Starting point:

0%

Target:

100% by 2027-28

In accordance with the UN Declaration Act, the Government of Canada worked in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples to identify the measures necessary to ensure federal laws are consistent with the UN Declaration, and to co-develop an action plan to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration. The UN Declaration Act provides a historic, transformative opportunity to ensure the full implementation of the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples as affirmed in the UN Declaration. The Justice Canada commitments in the Action Plan will be carried out in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples and will support the achievement of multiple objectives of the UN Declaration and the Act, such as: addressing discrimination; ensuring consistency of federal laws with the UN Declaration; monitoring implementation; increasing self-determination and participation in decision-making.

How progress is measured and timelines for each of the Action Plan commitments will be determined in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples. More detailed reporting on actions will be completed annually as part of the UN Declaration Act Annual Progress Report.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 10.1: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.

Ambition 10.2: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.

Target 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed in the previous 12 months on the basis of a ground of discrimination prohibited under international human rights law.

Indicator result:

As of March 31, 2025, 15/18 (83%) Justice-led Action Plan Measures (APMs) have demonstrated progress.

Notes:

The department is on track to achieve it’s target.

At the onset of the Justice SD Strategy, 15 APMs were led by the Department. Following the publication of the Strategy, 3 APMs were added to Justice’s responsibility and the Strategy was updated to reflect this during the Update process. In the 2023-24 Report, the results were measured against the initial 15 APMs and therefore the department reported a 100% completion rate. Given that the results are now being measured against 18 activities and that they have not all yet been completed, the results have changed from 100% to 83%.

Justice measures, including tools and training, developed to ensure effective implementation of the UN Declaration Act and consistency of federal laws with the UN Declaration.

Program:

Various, Justice Canada

Performance indicators:

• Number of tools/resources developed and/or updated to support officials in assessing consistency with the UN Declaration.
• Number of tools/resources published and made available to public servants.
• Number of trainings, presentations, or events delivered on the implementation of the UN Declaration Act to public servants.
• Satisfaction rate of training delivered through Justice’s Centre for Legal Education Services on post-training surveys.

Starting points:

• 1 tool developed to support officials in assessing consistency with the UN Declaration.
• 1 tool published and made available to departmental employees
• 91 trainings, presentations, and events delivered in fiscal year 2022-23

Targets:

• Develop and/or update 1 tool/resource each fiscal year.
• By the end of each fiscal year, make all developed and/or updated tools/resources available to public servants.
• By the end of each fiscal year, deliver 20 trainings, presentations, or events on the implementation of the UN Declaration Act to public servants.
• For training delivered through Justice’s Centre for Legal Education Services, 80% of participants indicate that the training ’met’ their expectations on post-training surveys.

Implementing the UN Declaration requires intentionally moving beyond existing ways of doing things and work that is already underway. Tools and training that equip GOC employees to understand the history, rights and title of Indigenous peoples, treaties, the UN Declaration, the UN Declaration Act, the dynamics of respectful relations, Indigenous-specific racism and meaningful reconciliation is foundational for effective progress to be made.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 10.2: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.

Indicator result:

As of March 31, 2025,

• 2 tools/resources were developed and/or updated to support officials in assessing consistency with the UN Declaration.
• 2 tools/resources were published and made available to public servants. One of the tools was also published on the Justice Canada website.
• There were 33 trainings, presentations, or events delivered on the implementation of the UN Declaration Act to public servants.
• The overall satisfaction rate of training delivered through Justice’s Centre for Legal Education Services on post-training surveys was 87.3%.

Notes:

• All 2024-2025 targets have been achieved.

Partner with Building Property Managers, Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions (BGIS), in collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on measures that will enable Justice Canada to improve waste diversion rates, notably on an initiative to expand central recycling stations in the National Capital Region (NCR) – specifically St. Andrews Tower (SAT) and the East Memorial Building (EMB) – to include composting and interactive waste sorting technology

Program:

Internal Services

Performance indicator:

• Progress made on implementation of composting at enhanced central recycling stations at SAT and EMB
• Artificial intelligence waste sorting technology installed in accordance with agreed-upon locations and timelines.

Starting point:

Establish agreement with BGIS, in collaboration with PSPC, to enhance central recycling stations by including composting on properties occupied by Justice Canada in the NCR, specifically SAT and EMB.

Establish agreement with BGIS, in collaboration with PSPC, to acquire and install AI waste sorting unit at Justice Headquarters.

Target:

By December 31, 2023, 4 enhanced central recycling stations complete with composting are in place at SAT and EMB.

Collaborating with BGIS and PSPC to set up mechanisms on properties leased to Justice Canada to facilitate waste diversion will help to reduce landfill gas and transport hauling emissions, as well as emissions for the extraction and production of virgin materials.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition12.3: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner.

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.

Indicator result:

Complete

Notes:

The Department has exceeded the target set out at the onset of this Strategy.

Partner with PSPC/or BGIS to implement a second LEED-certified (or equivalent) fit-up project. Such projects require the use of low embodied carbon materials.

Program:

Internal Services

Performance indicator:

Progress towards identifying a second LEED-certified fit-up project.

Starting point:

As of March 31, 2022, the Department’s first LEED-certified pilot fit-up project was selected and met all mandated prerequisites to achieve certification level (40–49 points). A second LEED-certified (or equivalent) fit-up project proposal will be developed, adding to Justice Canada’s portfolio of LEED-certified leased space.

Target:

By March 31, 2025, a second LEED-certified (or equivalent) fit-up project has been selected and meets all mandated prerequisites to achieve certification level.

Partnering with PSPC on a LEED-certified pilot fit-up project helps Justice Canada to encourage industry to adopt low carbon extraction, production, and disposal practices. This will reduce indirect emissions (i.e. Scope 3 emissions) and other harmful environmental impacts.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 12.3: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner.

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.

Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities.

Indicator result:

Complete

As of March 31, 2025, the second LEED fit-up project "Law Commission of Canada" was developed and completed. The project meets all mandated prerequisites to achieve certification level.

Explore measures to increase awareness and uptake of environmental considerations in procurement activities.

Program:

Internal Services

Performance indicator:

Incorporating a green procurement rating criterion in procurement evaluation pilot projects.

Starting point:

Obtain approval to incorporate modest environmental criteria in procurement evaluation as a pilot project.

Target:

Three pilot projects to incorporate green procurement rating criteria by March 31, 2025.

Exploring measures to increase green procurement allows Justice Canada to establish the tools and processes that will successfully encourage clients to incorporate environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they deliver, and their supply chains.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 12.2: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner.

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities

Indicator result:

Complete

Between March 2024 and March 31, 2025, 2 Requests for Proposal (RFPs) incorporated green procurement rating criteria:

• RFP for the provision of Business Analyst and project management services.
• RFP for the provision of professional audit support services.

This brings the total number of initiatives having incorporated green criterion to 7.

Notes:

The Department has exceeded the target set out at the onset of this Strategy.

Continue to ensure decision makers, material management and specialists in procurement have the necessary training and awareness to support green procurement.

Program:

Internal Services

Performance indicator:

Percentage of specialists in procurement and materiel management who have completed training on green procurement.

Starting point:

100% of specialists in procurement and materiel management have completed training on green procurement within one year of appointment.

Target:

100% of specialists in procurement and materiel management have completed training on green procurement within one year of appointment to Justice Canada.

Green procurement incorporates environmental considerations into purchasing decisions and is expected to motivate suppliers to green their goods, services, and supply chain. Ensuring that procurement and materiel management specialists have the necessary training to provide effective guidance and direction to clients and suppliers.

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities

Indicator result:

As of March 31, 2025, 100% of specialists in procurement and materiel management have completed training on green procurement within one year of appointment to Justice Canada.

Notes:

The Department will continue to ensure that all new specialists in procurement and materiel management complete the green procurement training.

Develop a compendium of tools and guidance on green procurement for Justice Canada administrative professionals, and other employees responsible to arrange for the procurement of goods and services.

Program:

Internal Services

Performance indicator:

Percentage completed on the training compendium.

Starting point:

• In collaboration with the green procurement working group, identify a list of commonly purchased goods and services where additional guidance is needed to inform green purchasing decisions.
• Create and obtain approval on a list/compendium of resources and guidance for stakeholders responsible for purchasing goods and services.

Target:

Compendium of resources published and available to departmental employees by March 31, 2024.

Justice Canada recognizes that every purchase has a social, economic, and environmental impact. The development of a compendium of training, tools and information on green procurement regulations, tools and best practices will support Justice Canada in working towards our environmental targets on sustainable procurement in several ways. First, by supporting improved knowledge and understanding, the compendium can help stakeholders better understand the importance of implementing environmental considerations into procurement decisions, as well as how to identify and select sustainable products and services. Second, by encouraging use of green procurement practices, the compendium can help to reduce the environmental impact of JUS’ purchasing decisions, including on carbon emissions, water usage and waste.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 12.2: Canadians consume in a sustainable manner.

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities.

Indicator result:

Complete

The Compendium of resources was published and made available to departmental employees in May 2024.

Explore options for implementing procedures and technologies to decrease the environmental impact of printer usage at Justice Canada.*

[*Note: This action is consistent with Statistics Canada’s “Measurement, Controls and Monitoring” (Table 2e) listing of clean technologies in its detailed taxonomy]

Program:

Internal Services

Performance indicator:

• Implementation of the new standing offer for the management of printing services is completed.
• Increased User/Device ratio
• Reduced number of MFDs

Starting point:

• A standing offer for the management of printing services is not implemented.
• Number of Multi-Function Devices (MFDs) / printers: 710
• User/Device ratio: 8:1

Target:

• New procurement vehicle implemented nationally by Q2 (Fiscal 2023-2024)
  Deploying an optimized printer service throughout the department starting in Q4 (Fiscal 2023-24). 25:1 printer-to-employee ratio in effect across Justice Canada offices by FY 2024-25.
• 50:1 MFD-to-employee ratio in effect across Justice Canada offices by FY 2024-25.
• Reduce total number of printers by 40% by FY 2025-26.

Procedures and technologies to manage printers and printing efficiently and in accordance with environmental best practices are expected to raise awareness about environmental considerations and costs; and decrease usage and waste of resources (ink, paper, etc.) and electricity.

The desired outcome and end-state vision for the management of print services is to achieve a secure, standard print environment for Justice Canada that incorporates the latest technologies; improves end-user experience and productivity; delivers cost efficiencies; and reduces environmental impact.

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.

Indicator result:

• The Department worked with Xerox on the national print device assessment, the replacement of 2024-25 end of lease devices and the deployment of Managed Print Services (MPS) infrastructure.
• As of March 31st, 2025, the MFD/printer-to-employee ratio is 14:1,
• As of March 31st, 2025, the colour MFD-to-employee ratio is 24:1
• As of March 31st, 2025, the total number of printers is 425.

Notes:

The Department is on track to achieve its targets.

Migrate applications from low efficiency legacy data centres to energy-efficient solutions (e.g. enterprise data centres, as well as to the Cloud)

Program:

Internal Services

Performance indicator:

Percentage of applications migrated to enterprise data centres and to the Cloud of the total eligible for migration.

Starting point:

0% of applications migrated to enterprise data centres and to the Cloud.

Target:

Percentage of applications capable of migration to enterprise data centres and to the Cloud (total % combined by end of year:

• 2023-24: 10%
• 2024-25: 20%
• 2025-26: 40%
• 2026-27: 75%

Justice Canada is taking steps to modernize its information technology (IT) infrastructure, which has experienced significant growth amidst the Department’s pandemic response. Migrating applications from legacy data centres to energy-efficient solutions, including secure enterprise data centres and to the cloud can help promote the consolidation of data centre operations – resulting in a reduced need to invest in physical hardware and infrastructure, and an associated reduction in energy and resources needed to support these operations. Cloud computing can be up to 98% more carbon efficient than legacy data centres.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 13.1: Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Target 13.1: By 2030, reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

Indicator result:

No further action

Notes:

As Shared Services Canada has assumed responsibility for the migration of enterprise data centres and to the Cloud, this commitment is no longer within Justice’s control.

Explore options for implementing procedures and technologies to decrease the environmental impact of Justice Canada’s operations though the implementation of the Digital Work Hub

Program:

Internal Services

Performance indicator:

• Completed implementation of TitanFile for file exchange with external entities (opposing council, courts, etc.).
• Completed external connectivity for other government departments to the Justice M365 environment for sharing and collaboration.
• Completed pilot of virtualized devices

Starting point:

• Justice Canada will enable the secure exchange of documents with client departments and other parties (including the courts) using electronic and cloud-based platforms.
• Justice Canada will enable the secure collaboration with other government departments using electronic and cloud-based platforms.
• Justice Canada will explore the virtualization of devices (laptops, servers) to reduce the dependency on physical devices.

Target:

• Full implementation of Titan File completed by March 31, 2024.
• Other government device access to the Justice M365 environment by March 31st, 2024.
• Pilot of virtualized devices completed by March 31, 2025.

Building on the progress made over the course of the pandemic, Justice Canada is working to optimize the hybrid workplace by integrating modern collaboration digital solutions and infrastructure to support the continued success of the Department and its workforce. The adoption of secure digital platforms that facilitate electronic exchange of documents and online collaboration can help reduce the need for printing physical copies and can reduce travel, which in turn reduces the amount of paper consumed and carbon emissions released into the atmosphere.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 13.1: Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Target 13.1: By 2030, reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45%, relative to 2005 emission levels. By 2050, achieve economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Indicator result:

No further action

Notes:

As of March 31, 2025, the project was closed with these items outstanding:

• Other government device access to the Justice M365 environment by March 31st, 2026.
• Pilot of virtualized devices completed by March 31, 2026.

Given budget reductions, there are no current plans to address these items.

Review emergency management and business continuity planning material and processes annually to ensure climate change risks and impacts are appropriately addressed.

Program:

Internal Services

Performance indicator:

• Annual reviews and updates of the SEMP and BCP take place, with consideration of climate change impacts and risks.
• Percentage of Business Continuity Management (BCM) exercises include specific injects prompting discussions on climate change impacts and risks.
• Percentage of BCM Coordinators that receive training that includes information on the risks and impacts from climate change.

Starting point:

• The Department’s Strategic Emergency Management Plan (SEMP) and Business Continuity Plan (BCP) already incorporate responses for emergencies generated by environmental conditions.
• The Department is working to improve awareness and effective response to climate-related risks to critical services and operations through the new Business Continuity Management (BCM) Coordinator Training Program.

Target:

• 75% of Business Continuity Management exercises conducted between 2023-2027 include specific injects prompting discussions on climate change impacts and risks.
• 100% of BCM Coordinators will receive training which includes information on the risks and impacts from climate change when they take on the role.

Factoring climate variability and change into emergency management and business continuity planning is one of the most important ways Justice Canada can ensure it remains well-prepared to address the impact of a changing climate on its capacity to operate and deliver on its critical services, among which is the provision of legal services to all clients.

Training is provided to every BCM Coordinator when they take on the role. It includes an overview of responsibilities, as well as instructions on how to develop and deliver BCM exercises within their areas of responsibility. Both segments include information on the risks and impacts from climate change.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 13.2; 13.3: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of Climate change.

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Indicator result:

• The Annual review and update of the SEMP and BCP took place, with consideration of climate change impacts and risks.

As of March 31, 2025:

• 0% of Departmental Business Continuity Management exercises conducted in 2024-2025 included specific injects prompting discussions on climate change impacts and risks.
• 100% of BCM Coordinators have received training which includes information on the risks and impacts from climate change when they take on the role.

Notes:

The Department is on track to achieve its targets.

In FY 24-25, the target was modified to include only "departmental exercises". During FY 2024-25, there was only 1 departmental exercise conducted. It was IT focused, so it could not include climate impacts. We have 2 departmental exercises scheduled for FY 25/26, and both are planned to include climate impacts

Work to increase public confidence in the fairness and accessibility of the Canadian criminal justice system by providing access to free training for criminal justice professionals and victim service workers on victim-related topics and making free, independent legal advice and independent legal representation available to victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.

Program:

Victims of Crime and Justice System Partnerships

Performance indicator:

• Satisfaction rate of the PCVI Webinar Series on post-event surveys
• Satisfaction rate of the annual National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week virtual event on post-event surveys
• Number of projects funded through Justice Canada’s Victims Fund and Justice Partnership and Innovation Program that enable eligible recipients to provide free independent legal advice and representation to victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.
• Number of for Family Information Liaison Units (FILUs) supporting families of MMIWG, 2SLGBTQI+ people or men and boys.
• Number of projects funded through Justice Canada’s Victims Fund that enable eligible recipients to provide community-based healing and grief, and trauma supports to families of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls, 2SLBGTQ+ people or men and boys.

Starting point:

• The Policy Centre for Victim Issues (PCVI) Webinar Series delivers periodic, free, web-based training sessions on victim-related topics (for example, responding to online child sexual exploitation, trauma-informed practices for working with victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and responding to the needs of surviving family members of homicide victims.)
• Recognized across the country every spring, the National Victims and Survivors of Crime Awareness Week raises awareness about victim issues and about the programs, services and laws in place to help victims of crime and their families.
• From 2021-22 to 2025-26, funding through Justice Canada’s Victims Fund and Justice Partnership and Innovation Program (JPIP) will be made available to eligible recipients to enable them to provide free independent legal advice and representation to victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.

Target

• 80% of participants indicate that the free training events “met” or “exceeded” their expectation on post-event surveys
• 80% of participants indicate that the National Victims and Survivors of Crime virtual event “met” or “exceeded” their expectations on post-event surveys.
• Projects delivered in 13 jurisdictions supporting the provision of independent legal advice and representation to victims of sexual assault.
• Pilot projects delivered in 10 jurisdictions supporting the provision of independent legal advice for victims of intimate partner violence.
• FILU projects are operating in each province and territory.
• 25 projects delivered in communities across Canada increasing access to community-based healing and grief and trauma supports to families of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls, 2SLGBTQ+ people or men and boys.

The Policy Centre for Victim Issues (PCVI) at the Department of Justice Canada leads the Federal Victims Strategy, which is a horizontal initiative with the objectives of giving victims a greater voice in the criminal justice system and enhancing access to justice for victims of crime. PCVI works closely with other federal government departments and agencies and with provincial and territorial governments.

By providing information, training and funding to criminal justice professionals and victim service workers, the Department supports greater access to resources, continuous learning, and enables the provision of high-quality services by criminal justice professionals and victim service workers to victims of crime across the country. This can lead to more effective and integrated approaches to increasing awareness about the evolving needs of victims of crime and effective approaches to respond to those needs. Through these activities, the Department continues its work to provide legal education and information about the role of victims in the criminal justice system and address challenges related to their experiences. In turn, these initiatives support the Department’s goal of increasing public confidence in the fairness and accessibility of the criminal justice system.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 5.1: Eliminate Gender-Based violence and harassment.

Target 5.1: Fewer women are victims of intimate partner violence and sexual assault.

Ambition 16.5, 16.6: Canadians have equal access to justice.

Ambition 16.7: Canadians are supported by effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.

Ambition 17.1 (SDG 17): Canada fosters collaboration and partnerships to advance the SDGs.

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

Indicator result:

As of March 2025:

• 96% satisfaction rate of the PCVI Webinar Series on post-event surveys
• 90% satisfaction rate of the annual National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week virtual event on post-event surveys
• 26 projects funded through Justice Canada’s Victims Fund and Justice Partnership and Innovation Program that enable eligible recipients to provide free independent legal advice and representation to victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence.
• 13 Family Information Liaison Units (FILUs) supporting families of MMIWG, 2SLGBTQI+ people or men and boys.
• 33 multi-year projects funded through Justice Canada’s Victims Fund that enable eligible recipients to provide community-based healing and grief, and trauma supports to families of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls, 2SLBGTQ+ people or men and boys.

Notes:

All 2024-2025 targets have been achieved

Support Community Justice Centre (CJC) pilots to bring together justice, health, employment, education, and social services to collectively address the root causes of crime, break the cycle of offending and improve public safety and community well-being.

Program:

Justice System Partnerships

Performance indicator:

• Number of CJC pilots that report increased capacity to provide integrated justice, health, and social services.
• Number of CJCs reporting increasing capacity to provide integrated services to rural and remote communities.
• Number of clients served by CJC pilot initiatives, disaggregated by age, gender, Indigenous identity and ethnicity.
• Number of jurisdictions that hold engagement sessions to establish priorities for CJCs.
• Percentage of clients who express satisfaction with CJC pilot centres.

Starting point:

• The 2020 Fall Economic Statement invested $28.6 million over five years to support Community Justice Centre (CJC) pilot projects in British Columbia, Ontario and Manitoba, as well as community engagement to expand the CJC concept to other provinces and territories.

Target:

• 8-10 CJC pilot sites report increased capacity to provide integrated justice, health and social services.
• 8 CJCs reporting increasing capacity to provide integrated services to rural and remote communities.
• Over 4,000 clients served by CJC pilot initiatives disaggregated by age, gender, Indigenous identity and ethnicity.
• 8-10 jurisdictions hold engagement sessions to establish priorities for CJCs.

Justice Canada will provide financial support for CJC pilots in three provinces, and community engagement in other jurisdictions to identify opportunities for the expansion of the CJC concept across the country.

Through these activities, the Department is taking action to test new approaches to strengthen the justice system and address the root causes of crime.

This funding supports the following Departmental Results:

• The criminal justice system supports alternative ways of responding to the causes and consequences of offending.
• Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 10.2.1: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced

Ambition 16.5, 16.6: Canadian have equal access to justice.

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.

Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

Indicator result:

As of March 2025:

• 23 CJC pilot sites in Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba have increased capacity to provide integrated justice, health, and social services.
• 12 CJC pilot sites have increased capacity to provide integrated services to rural and remote communities.
• 10,881 clients have been served by a CJC pilot (as of 2023-24 reporting). Disaggregated client data by age, gender, Indigenous identity, and ethnicity will be reported at the end of the initiative.
• 6* jurisdictions have held engagement sessions to establish priorities for CJCs. (*Previous reporting of seven jurisdictions represented those approved for funding, however only six completed engagement sessions).

Notes:

The Department is on track to achieve its targets.

Help to bring systemic change to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in Canada’s criminal justice system by funding projects informed by Gladue Principles

Program:

Indigenous Justice

Performance indicator:

• Number of Gladue Systemic Change projects funded.

Starting point:

• The 2020 Fall Economic Statement proposed investments of $49.3 million to support the implementation of Gladue Principles in the mainstream justice system across Canada. This included $10 million over 4 years for projects focused on systemic change in the criminal justice system. These systemic change projects focus on either: education of justice professionals, or changes to policies, practices, processes and/or structures.

Target:

31 Gladue Systemic Change projects approved for funding (to be completed by recipients by FY 2024-25)

Gladue Principles recognize the need to address systemic racism and the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system, consider the unique systemic or background factors which may have played a part in bringing an individual in contact with the law in criminal justice decision-making; and use alternative measures wherever reasonable, including culturally appropriate restorative justice processes.

Justice Canada supports this work by providing funding for projects informed by Gladue Principles that:

• Seek to increase knowledge and understanding of criminal justice professionals of the root causes of Indigenous overrepresentation in the criminal justice system and of community-led options for addressing crime, including Indigenous and restorative justice programs; or
• Support Indigenous-led community, regional and national efforts to change policies, practices, processes, and structures to address systemic barriers and discrimination of Indigenous people in the mainstream criminal justice system.

Through these measures, among others, the Department is taking direct action to address inequities and the overrepresentation of Indigenous persons as victims and accused in the criminal justice system.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 10: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.

Ambition 16.5, 16.6: Canadians have equal access to justice

Ambition 17.1 (SDG 17): Canada fosters collaboration and partnerships to advance the SDGs.

UN Global Indicator Framework:

Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.

Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making at all levels

Indicator result:

Complete

As of March 31, 2025, 53 Gladue Systemic Change projects have been funded.

Advance legal literacy and empowerment by regularly updating Charterpedia

Program:

Advisory services

Performance indicator:

Charterpedia is updated on a yearly basis to reflect significant developments in the caselaw.

Starting point:

In 2017, Justice Canada developed Charterpedia to raise awareness of the Charter and to better Canadians’ understanding of their rights and how they are protected under the Charter.

Target:

Charterpedia is updated every twelve months. [The aim is to meet this target within 14 months following each preceding update.]

As part of Justice Canada’s commitment to Canada’s Fifth National Action Plan on Open Government, Justice Canada has committed to regularly updating Charterpedia.

Charterpedia promotes legal literacy and empowerment by providing legal information about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). Charterpedia contains information about the purpose of each section of the Charter, the analysis or test developed through case law in respect of the section, and examines key considerations related to it.

By having some of Canada’s leading Charter experts share information with a broad public audience about Charter rights and developments in the caselaw, Justice Canada provides an important source of information to Canadians and demonstrates our commitment to greater openness and transparency. In this way, Charterpedia contributes to the accessibility of Canada’s legal system and fosters a greater level of public understanding of and engagement with Charter rights.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 16.7: Canadians are supported by effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.

Ambition 17.1 (SDG 17): Canada fosters collaboration and partnerships to advance the SDGs.

Indicator 17.1.1: Number of open datasets published by the Government of Canada

UN Global Indicator Framework

16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

Indicator result:

The annual update of Charterpedia for FY 2024-25 was completed on August 13, 2024.

Notes:

The Department is on track to achieve its targets.

Support the implementation of Canada’s Open Justice commitment, as included in the 2022-2024 National Action Plan on Open Government

Program:

Internal Services

Performance indicator:

Percentage of Justice-led initiatives completed in the 2022-24 National Action Plan on Open Government

Starting point:

eighteen% of Justice-led initiatives completed in the 2022-24 National Action Plan on Open Government, as of June 2023.

Target:

one hundred% of Justice-led commitments completed by December 31, 2024

In 2022, Justice Canada committed to the implementation of Canada’s Open Justice Commitment, as included in the 2022-2024 National Action Plan on Open Government. JUS will support implementation of this commitment through the sharing of data collection, research, and promising practices; initiatives to advance legal literacy; and ongoing partnerships and collaboration.

Canada’s 2022-2024 National Action Plan on Open Government includes a Justice commitment. The commitment highlights a series of initiatives aimed at helping people and organizations across the country access the data, information, and services they need to identify and effectively resolve their legal problems.

Through the Open Government initiative, Justice Canada commits to collect and share data, including disaggregated data, advance legal literacy, identify and share promising practices, and foster partnerships and collaboration. These initiatives reflect our commitment to advancing a people-centered approach to justice, as made at the 2021 Summit for Democracy, to better understand and meet the legal needs of the people of Canada.

Finally, the Open Justice initiative reflects our commitment to greater transparency, accountability, and access to information, which in turn can help to strengthen Canadians’ confidence in the justice system and improve access to justice.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 16.5, 16.6: Canadians have equal access to justice.

Ambition 16.7: Canadians are supported by effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.

Ambition 17.1: Canada fosters collaboration and partnerships to advance the SDGs.

Indicator 17.1.1: Number of open datasets published by the Government of Canada

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

Indicator result:

Complete

100% of Justice-led commitments completed by December 31, 2024

Notes:

As of March 31, 2025, 100% Justice-led initiatives outlined in the 2022-2024 National Action Plan on Open Government have been completed.

Expand Justice Canada open data initiatives and make more data available digitally – notably by aligning our approaches with international best practices and publishing new datasets and information assets on the Open Government Portal

Program:

Internal Services

Performance indicator:

Justice Canada has a departmental process to support the regular release of open data and information assets. As of February 1, 2023, there are over 350 Justice Canada data and information assets on the Open Government Portal.

Starting point:

Number of releasable assets published to the Open Government Portal.

Target:

Two or more releasable assets published to the Open Government Portal monthly.

Canada has been a member of the international Open Government Partnership (OGP) since 2012. The OGP brings together national and sub-national governments from around the world who are committed to the open government principles of transparency, accountability, and participation. Justice Canada supports maximizing the release of non-sensitive data and information. In doing so, we proactively disclose data and information to the public that reflects our mandate to support the dual roles of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.

Justice-related research and data plays a key role in the work that we do. Justice Canada’s research and data initiatives help support our work in developing policies, programs and legislation grounded in evidence. In the spirit of openness and transparency, the Department makes research reports and other informational products publicly available.

Canadian Indicator Framework

Ambition 16.5, 16.6: Canadians have equal access to justice.

Ambition 16.7: Canadians are supported by effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.

Ambition 17.1: Canada fosters collaboration and partnerships to advance the SDGs.

Indicator: 17.1.1: Number of open datasets published by the Government of Canada.

UN Global Indicator Framework

Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

Indicator result:

During fiscal year 2024-2025, Justice Canada has met its target of 2 or more releasable assets published to the Open Government Portal on a monthly basis 75% of the time or 9/12 months of the fiscal year. As of March 31, 2025, there were 58 releasable assets published on the Open Government Portal during the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Notes:

The Department has exceeded the target set out at the onset of this Strategy.

While the annual target was not achieved in 2024-25, the overall number of released assets for the fiscal year was 241% than the total of assets to be released of 2 per month.

Treasury Board Secretariat provides publicly available Open Government Analytics on the Open Government Portal. The indicator results are derived from the Datasets Released by Organization by Month dataset. This dataset includes all open information and data released on the open government portal including select proactive disclosure categories.