2017–18 Departmental Results Report - Supplementary Information Tables

Details on Transfer Payment Programs

TPPs exceeding $5 million during the reporting year

Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund (Voted)
Start date
April 1, 2003
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Grants and Contributions
Type of appropriation
Voted through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2009-2010
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture

1.1 Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework

1.1.2 Justice System Support

1.1.2.6 Justice in Official Languages

Description
The Fund’s objectives are to increase the capacity of the justice system and its stakeholders to offer justice services in both official languages, and to increase awareness in the legal community and official language minority and majority communities concerning their rights and issues related to access to justice in both official languages. It aims to facilitate access to justice in both official languages by providing grants and contributions to eligible organizations in support of activities such as legal information and workshops to members of the public, the creation of legal and linguistic tools, as well as the development of workshops and training for bilingual lawyers and stakeholders of the justice system, and the development of related training material.
Results achieved

In February 2018, Budget 2018 announced an additional $2 million, on an ongoing basis, for the Access to Justice in Official Languages Support Fund. This funding is in addition to the $40.7 million investment over five years through the Government of Canada’s Action Plan on Official Languages.

The Fund supported 44 projects in 2017-18, increasing the capacity of the justice system and its stakeholders to offer services in both official languages and increasing the availability of legal information to official language minority communities.

The Fund supported 16 projects providing training to justice professionals, 19 projects raising awareness and supporting public legal information activities, 3 projects contributing to curriculum development and 6 projects developing linguistic tools.    

Comments on variances
The Department worked closely with funding applicants to ensure that funding proposals met the objectives and priorities of the Support Fund.  This included follow-ups semi-annually to confirm that activities were taking place as planned, in an effort to identify possible budget discrepencies.  Monitoring visits to identified stakeholders were also reinstated. These actions helped to minimize lapsed funds.
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
An evaluation of the Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund was completed in 2017-18. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2022-23. 
Engagement of applicants and recipients
Throughout the year, the Department actively engaged its network of stakeholders from official language minority communities through different means such as in-person meetings, working groups (Federal-Provincial-Territorial and Advisory), conference calls and an online newsletter.
Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 197,275 83,965 600,000 317,125 81,727 (518,273)
Total contributions 6,268,735 6,247,291 5,892,845 6,175,720 6,175,720 282,875
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 6,466,010 6,331,256 6,492,845 6,492,845 6,257,447 (235,398)

Indigenous Justice Program Fund

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Indigenous Justice Program (formerly Aboriginal Justice Strategy) Fund (Voted)
Start date
1991-1992 as Aboriginal Justice Initiative
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Grants and Contributions
Type of appropriation
Voted through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
 2017-2018
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture

1.1 Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework

1.1.2 Justice System Support

1.1.2.5 Aboriginal and Northern Justice

Description

The Indigenous Justice Program (IJP) (formerly Aboriginal Justice Strategy) supports Indigenous community-based justice programs that offer alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances. Programs are community-led and designed to reflect the culture, values and specific needs of the communities in which they are situated.

Objectives of the IJP: to assist Indigenous people in assuming greater responsibility for the administration of justice in their communities; to reflect and include Indigenous values within the justice system; and to contribute to a decrease in the rate of victimization, crime and incarceration among Indigenous people in communities with community-based justice programs funded by the IJP.

Results achieved

A cost-analysis conducted in conjunction with a recidivism study demonstrated that it costs less to process each offender in a community-based justice program than the mainstream justice system. Evaluation findings (completed in 2016-2017) found that approximately $20.5M in immediate and future cost savings to the mainstream justice system were achieved through IJP-supported programs.

Furthermore, the recidivism study found that rates of re-offending for individuals who completed a community-based justice program are significantly lower than those who did not participate. These lower rates of re-offending contribute to reducing crime and incarceration rates in communities with access to IJP programs.

The cost savings of the IJP are even greater when considering future savings produced through reduced recidivism rates.

Comments on variances
New funding in the amount of $9.8M has been received through the 2017-18 Suplementary Estimates (A).
Audits completed or planned
2019-2020
Evaluations completed or planned
The evaluation of the Aboriginal Justice Strategy was completed in 2016-17. An evaluation of the Indigenous Justice Program (formerly the Aboriginal Justice Strategy) is planned for completion in 2021-22.
Engagement of applicants and recipients

The Department, in partnership with provincial and territorial governments, provides direct support to 197 community-based justice programs that serve over 750 urban, rural, and Northern communities, both on- and off-reserve. As such, there is engagement on a regular/daily basis.

The IJP also financially supports annual regional gatherings and conducts regular engagement sessions that are aimed at continuing the conversation with recipients, Indigenous communities and other justice stakeholders to strengthen relationships and gather information in support of Government of Canada priorities. In 2017-2018, six regional gatherings were supported.

Current and potential recipients as well as applicants are also engaged by way of the IJP’s website, social media, telephone and email.

Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 50,000 50,000 0 50,000 50,000 50,000
Total contributions 12,900,000 13,531,043 2,900,000 12,650,000 12,650,000 9,750,000
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 12,950,000 13,581,043 2,900,000 12,700,000 12,700,000 9,800,000

Legal Aid Systems

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Legal Aid Systems (renamed Criminal Legal Aid Program as of April 1, 2018. (Voted)
Start date
August 17, 1971
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Contributions
Type of appropriation
Voted through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2017-2018
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture

1.1 Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework

1.1.2 Justice System Support

1.1.2.1 Criminal Justice and Legal Representation

Description
The objective of the federal Legal Aid Program is to contribute to sustaining a national system of justice that helps to ensure that economically disadvantaged persons have access to the justice system through contribution funding to the provinces in support of criminal, youth criminal and immigration and refugee legal aid services. Funding for criminal and civil legal aid in the territories is provided through the Access to Justice Services Agreements.
Results achieved
Provinces, through their provincial legal aid plans, were able to provide criminal legal aid services to elibigible adults and youth.
Comments on variances
N/A
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
An evaluation of the Legal Aid Program was recently completed in 2016-17. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2021-22.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
Ongoing meetings with the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid to support the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Deputy Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety on matters relating to legal aid.
Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spendingTable note i 2016–17 Actual spendingTable note i 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 120,327,507 135,627,507 119,727,507 119,727,507 119,727,507 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 120,327,507 135,627,507 119,727,507 119,727,507 119,727,507 0
Table note i

As of 2017-18 I&R Legal Aid has been separated from the main fund, Legal Aid Systems. Actual spending for 2015-16 and 2016-17 is included in the planning information table for Legal Aid Systems.

Return to table note i referrer

Youth Justice Services Funding Program

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Youth Justice Services Funding Program (Voted)
Start date
April 2, 1984
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Contributions
Type of appropriation
Voted through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
 2017-2018
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture

1.1 Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework

1.1.2 Justice System Support

1.1.2.3 Youth Justice

Description
The overall objective of this Program is to support the policy directions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act by financially assisting the provinces and territories in their provision of a range of youth justice services and programs that are consistent with federal policy objectives. The specific objectives of the individual agreements with provinces and territories are to support and promote an appropriate range of programs and services that encourage accountability measures for unlawful behavior that are proportionate and timely; encourage the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of young persons into their communities; target the formal court process to the most serious offences; and target detention and custody to the most serious offences.
Results achieved

Through the Youth Justice Services Funding Program (YJSFP), the department supported provinces and territories in providing a range of youth justice programs and services that target young persons in conflict with the law, such as:

  • Diversion/ Extrajudicial Measures and Extrajudicial Sanctions Programs
  • Rehabilitative and Reintegration Services
  • Judicial Interim Release Programs
  • Reports and Assessments
  • Intensive Support and Supervision and Attendance Programs
  • Conferencing and other Community Based Sanctions

New five-year funding agreements with all provinces and territories for the period of April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2023 have been negotiated.

Comments on variances
N/A
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
An evaluation of the Youth Justice Initiative was completed in 2015-16. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2020-21.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
Recipients continue to be engaged through the Federal-Provincial/Territorial Working Group on Youth Justice Cost-sharing and Programs.
Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 141,692,415 141,692,415 141,692,415 141,692,415 141,692,415 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 141,692,415 141,692,415 141,692,415 141,692,415 141,692,415 0

Canadian Family Justice Fund

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Canadian Family Justice Fund (formerly the Supporting Families Fund) (Voted)
Start date
April 1, 2017
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Contributions
Type of appropriation
Voted through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2017-2018
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture

1.1 Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework

1.1.2 Justice System Support

1.1.2.4 Family Justice

Description

The Canadian Family Justice Fund (CFJF), formerly the Supporting Families Fund, was launched in 2017-18 to provide funding for programs and services that support families experiencing separation and divorce.

The Fund has identified five priorities:

  • fostering federal, provincial and territorial collaboration to make improvements to the Canadian family justice system; supporting the well-being of family members engaging with the family justice system;
  • extending the reach of family justice programs, services and information to meet the needs of diverse and underserved populations;
  • supporting alternatives to court for the resolution of family law matters; and
  • improving and streamlining the family justice system to support the simplification of family court processes, including information sharing between courts and family justice services, and improved coordination with other parts of the justice system (e.g. criminal justice system).

The CFJF has two funding components: the Activities component, and the Projects component.

Through the Fund’s Activities component, the Department continues to fulfil its responsibility by contributing financial assistance to the provinces and territories for the provision of family justice services that support the needs of families experiencing separation and divorce.

The Projects component is designed to support provincial and territorial governments, not-for-profit organizations, associations, academic institutions and individuals in the following capacity:

  • the development, implementation and evaluation of provincial and territorial innovative family justice services and programs;
  • projects and activities that inform Canadians about family law issues such as parenting arrangements and child/spousal support; and
  • the development of new strategies, models and tools intended to improve access to family justice.
Results achieved

In 2017-18, 14 five-year agreements were negotiated with the provinces and territories totalling $15 million for family justice activities to support families undergoing separation and divorce.

In addition, 23 projects (13 from organizations and 10 from provinces and territories) were approved for funding in the amount of $957,000 under the Projects component. 

Entering into long-term funding agreements with provinces and territories to support various services, programs and information resources affirms the Government’s commitment to facilitating access to the family justice system for Canadian families experiencing separation and divorce. 

Comments on variances
New funding in the amount of $16M has been received through the 2017-18 Suplementary Estimates (A).
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
The last evaluation of the Supporting Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce Initiative was completed in 2014-15. An evaluation of Family Justice (formerly the Supporting Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce Initiative) is planned for completion in 2018-19.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
Provinces and territories are consulted on an ongoing basis through the Coordinating Committee of Senior Officials (CCSO) Family Justice meetings and working groups. Not-for-profit organizations and other stakeholders were invited to apply to the fund through a call for proposals, and were engaged through the Department of Justice website and through teleconference calls. As well, they have been invited to provide comments about the fund as part of their annual reporting questionnaire.
Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 16,000,000 15,997,656 0 16,000,000 15,934,484 15,934,484
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 16,000,000 15,997,656 0 16,000,000 15,934,484 15,934,484

Victims Fund

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Victims Fund (Voted)
Start date
Victims of Crime Initiative (VCI) April 1, 2005, and Federal Victims Strategy (FVS) April 1, 2007
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Grants and Contributions
Type of appropriation
Voted through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2016-2017
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture

1.1 Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework

1.1.2 Justice System Support

1.1.2.2 Victims of Crime

Description
The Victims Fund is a grants and contributions fund designed to support the objectives of the Federal Victims Strategy to give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system. The Victims Fund provides funding to governmental and non-governmental organizations to implement a wide range of victim-focused projects and activities that are responsive to a diversity of survivors and victims of crime communities. The Fund also provides financial assistance to eligible Canadians victimized abroad as well as to registered victims of crime to attend Parole Board of Canada hearings.

Results achieved

The Victims Fund supported a variety of projects and activities that developed new approaches, improved the capacity of service providers, expanded the scope and reach of victim services, increased access to services for victims and survivors of crime, increased awareness of services available to victims of crime and their families, and reduced financial hardship of victims.

Through the Victims Fund, in 2017-2018 the Department:

Comments on variances
The Department successfully approved funding allocations to spend the entire Victims Fund Budget in 2017-18.  However, due to some projects not starting at the time of approval, delays led to lapses of committed funds.  The Department pursued efforts to reallocate funds throughout the year as lapses were identified in order to support as many projects as possible, but lapses identified late in the year could not be mitigated.
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
An evaluation of the Justice Federal Victims Strategy was completed in 2015-16. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2020-21.
Engagement of applicants and recipients

Provincial, territorial, municipal governments, non-governmental organizations, associations, bands and tribal councils and self-governing First Nations, Inuit, Métis, educational institutions, international governmental and non-governmental organizations, professional organizations, for-profit organizations undertaking not-for-profit projects, and individuals can apply for funding under the Victims Fund.

The Policy Centre for Victims Issues (PCVI) engaged provincial and territorial partners, as well as non governmental stakeholders from a variety of fields to discuss issues related to policy development, legislation and the Victims Fund.

Victims Fund applicants and recipients were engaged with the PCVI and Programs Branch through specific calls for funding proposals, for example, child advocacy centres, and in support of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week.

Finally, through regular outreach and communications activities, PCVI (subject-specific Knowledge Exchanges and WebExes and Webinars) continued to engage applicants and recipients regarding on-going issues of mutual interest.

Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 1,432,852 2,284,080 3,250,000 3,250,000 2,230,896 (1,019,104)
Total contributions 12,434,287 16,463,951 24,537,265 24,537,265 24,211,192 (326,073)
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 13,867,139 18,748,031 27,787,265 27,787,265 26,442,088 (1,345,177)

Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program (voted)
Start date
April 1, 2002
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Contributions
Type of appropriation
Voted through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2017-2018
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture

1.1 Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework

1.1.2 Justice System Support

1.1.2.3 Youth Justice

Description
The Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision (IRCS) Program provides federal funding to all provinces and territories to ensure that they have the capacity required to carry out assessments and provide therapeutic programs and services to youth convicted of serious violent offences and who are suffering from mental health issues. The overall objective of this Program is to financially assist the provinces and territories in providing the specialized services required for the implementation of the IRCS sentence pursuant to paragraph 42(2)(r) and subsection 42(7) of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other sentencing options applicable under the Act to serious violent youth offenders with mental health issues. It is expected that these services might reduce the likelihood of further violence in those convicted of the most serious violent offences.
Results achieved

Through the IRCS Funding Program, provinces and territories were supported in providing a range of youth justice programs and services that target young persons in conflict with the law.

During 2017-18, a total of twenty-one (21) IRCS orders were issued by the courts and became eligible for federal funding, bringing the total number of active IRCS cases to fifty-two (52). In addition, seven (7) exceptional cases were approved for funding during 2017-18, bringing the total number of active exceptional cases to eighteen (18).

New five-year funding agreements with all provinces and territories for the period of April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2023 have been negotiated.

Comments on variances
An amount of $239,933 in contribution funding was transferred from the Youth Justice Fund to the IRCS to offset a forecasted deficit resulting from a higher than anticipated number of IRCS orders received during this fiscal year.
Audits completed or planned
None
Evaluations completed or planned
An evaluation of the Youth Justice Initiative was completed in 2015-16. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2020-21.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
Recipients continue to be engaged through the Federal-Provincial/Territorial Working Group on Youth Justice Cost-sharing and Programs.
Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 11,003,383 11,048,000 11,048,000 11,287,933 11,287,933 239,933
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 11,003,383 11,048,000 11,048,000 11,287,933 11,287,933 239,933

Implementation of Official Languages Requirements under the Contraventions Act

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Implementation of Official Languages Requirements under the Contraventions Act (Voted)
Start date
April 1, 2002
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Contributions
Type of appropriation
Voted through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2012-2013
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture

1.1 Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework

1.1.2 Justice System Support

1.1.2.6 Justice in Official Languages

Description

The Contraventions Act provides an alternative to the summary conviction procedure of the Criminal Code for the prosecution of certain offences under federal statutes and regulations. It allows certain federal offences to be prosecuted, using provincial court processes, by means of a ticketing scheme. In 2001, the Federal Court concluded that while the federal government is authorized to use the prosecution scheme of a province to prosecute federal contraventions, it must comply with all language rights requirements that would be applicable in the context of a purely federal prosecution scheme. As a result, in 2003, the federal government established the Contraventions Act Fund to support the implementation of the Contraventions Act in a manner consistent with all applicable constitutional and legislative language rights.

The Fund aims to support provinces and territories in respect of judicial activities and extra-judicial services in both official languages to conform to the Federal Court decision in respect of proceedings instituted under the Contraventions Act.

Results achieved

The Department of Justice actively pursued its work with client-departments on regulatory amendments to ensure successful enforcement of offences designated as contraventions under the contraventions regime.

The Department continued to provide funding to provinces and municipalities where the regime is implemented to undertake measures that ensure contraventions offenders’ language rights are respected in relation to the administration and enforcement of federal contraventions.

The provinces continued to fulfill official languages duties on behalf of the federal government to ensure that offenders’ language rights are respected. The Department financially supported 6 provinces and 1 municipality where there are no provincial obligations to fulfill the offenders’ language rights. No complaints were made with respect to judicial and extra-judicial services in the official language of choice.

Canadians in designated areas who received a federal contraventions ticket had access to communications in the official language of choice and, in any court house, to judicial services in the language of choice.

In Spring 2017, a Contraventions Act Administration and Enforcement Agreement was signed with the province of Newfoundland and Labrador allowing for federal offences designated as contraventions to be enforced through the Contraventions Regime in that province as of January 1, 2018.

Comments on variances
Funds allocated reflect the need amongst participating provinces
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
An evaluation of the Contraventions Act Program was recently completed in 2016-17. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2021-22.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
The Department actively engages its provincial counterparts to receive feedback on training and delivery of the Contraventions Regime.
Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 3,363,960 3,882,648 9,094,900 4,977,356 3,666,498 (5,428,402)
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 3,363,960 3,882,648 9,094,900 4,977,356 3,666,498 (5,428,402)

Indigenous Courtwork Program

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Indigenous Courtwork Program (Voted)
Start date
April 1, 1978
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Contributions
Type of appropriation
Voted through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2016-2017
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture

1.1 Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework

1.1.2 Justice System Support

1.1.2.5 Aboriginal and Northern Justice

Description
The objective of the Indigenous Courtwork Program (formerly the Aboriginal Courtwork Program) is to facilitate and enhance access to justice by assisting Indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system (whether as accused persons, victims, witnesses or family members) in obtaining, fair, just, equitable and culturally competent treatment.
Results achieved

Indigenous Courtworkers continued to provide high quality, timely services to Indigenous people in contact with the criminal justice system (including accused persons, victims, witnesses and family members). In 2016-17, Courtworkers provided 142,889 in court and out of court services to over 74,000 Indigenous people in contact with the criminal justice system.

The 2017-2018 national evaluation found that the Program is responsive to the needs of Indigenous Peoples, and the roles of Courtworkers have continued to evolve and expand, which is viewed as enhancing the effectiveness of the Program. Furthermore, the program contributed to a more fair, just and culturally relevant treatment of Indigenous people before the court by: promoting alternative and restorative justice measures that improve outcomes for clients; advocating for reasonable bail and probation conditions;  helping reduce breaches; and building trust in the justice system.

Over 95% of Indigenous persons receiving services from a Courtworker reported satisfaction with the information received. 90% of justice and court officials reported the Courtworkers improved communication between ICW clients and those involved in the administration of the criminal justice system. Finally, 82% of justice and court officials reported the Courtworkers assisted their clients to make informed decisions about pursuing alternative measures, such as Indigenous court/specialized courts, or restorative justice.

Comments on variances
N/A
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
An evaluation of the Indigenous Courtwork Program and a national client survey were completed in 2017-18.  The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2022-23.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
The Department undertook a number of engagement activities through the Federal-Provincial-Territorial and Tripartite Working Group on the Indigenous Courtwork Program, which built bridges, trust and partnerships to address priorities related to addressing the overrepresentation and gaps in services for Indigenous Persons in the criminal justice system.
Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 5,259,779 7,918,177 7,961,363 7,961,363 7,950,845 (10,518)
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 5,259,779 7,918,177 7,961,363 7,961,363 7,950,845 (10,518)

Access to Justice Services Agreements in the Territories (in the areas of Legal Aid, Indigenous Courtwork and Public Legal Education and Information Services)

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Access to Justice Services Agreements in the Territories (in the areas of Legal Aid, Indigenous Courtwork and Public Legal Education and Information Services) (Voted)
Start date
April 1, 1997
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Contributions
Type of appropriation
Voted through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2017-2018
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture

1.1 Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework

1.1.2 Justice System Support

1.1.2.5 Aboriginal and Northern Justice

Description
The goal of the Access to Justice Services Agreements is to provide consolidated federal government funding support to Canada’s three territories for access to justice services (including criminal and civil legal aid, Indigenous Courtwork, and Public Legal Education and Information) through ongoing contribution agreements that allow the territories the flexibility needed to provide these services in a challenging environment (vast distances, harsh climate, cultural/linguistic differences). The overarching goal of federal support for Indigenous Courtwork services is to facilitate and enhance access to justice by assisting Indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system to obtain fair, just, equitable and culturally sensitive treatment. With regard to legal aid services in the territories, the federal goal is to enable the territories to provide legal aid services to economically disadvantaged and vulnerable persons involved in serious criminal, youth criminal justice and civil matters. And, with respect to public legal education and information, the goal is to assist the territories in providing members of the public with the legal information they need to make informed decisions and participate effectively in the justice system.
Results achieved

The integrated Access to Justice Services Agreements (AJSAs) provided support for the delivery of access to justice services (legal aid, Indigenous courtwork and public legal education and information) in northern communities while recognizing the unique needs and circumstances of northern communities and residents.

Funding under the AJSAs provides vulnerable populations with continued access to Canada-wide legal systems that are efficient, fair, relevant and accessible, and promotes public confidence in access to justice.

Comments on variances
N/A
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
Access to Justice Services Agreements in the Territories are examined as part of the Legal Aid Program, Indigenous Courtwork Program and Justice Partnership and Innovation Program evaluations. The evaluations of the Legal Aid Program and the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program were completed in 2016-17 (next evaluations 2021-2022).  The evaluation of the Indigenous Courtwork Program was completed in 2017-18 (next evaluation 2022-2023).
Engagement of applicants and recipients
The Department works through the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Permanent Working Group on Legal aid as well as the Federal-Provincial-Territorial and Tripartite Working Group on the Indigenous Courtwork Program to support and promote territorial participation and engagement in access to justice policy and innovation.
Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spending 2016–17 Actual spending 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 4,856,593 6,256,593 6,406,593 6,406,593 6,406,593 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 4,856,593 6,256,593 6,406,593 6,406,593 6,406,593 0

Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid (Voted)
Start date
2001-2002
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Contributions
Type of appropriation
Voted through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2016-2017
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture

1.1 Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework

1.1.2 Justice System Support

1.1.2.1 Criminal Justice and Legal Representation

Description
Immigration and Refugee (I&R) Legal Aid helps the refugee-determination system assess the claims of in-Canada asylum seekers in an efficient and fair manner. It also supports certain types of immigration hearings and appeals. Additional funding is required to address ongoing I&R Legal Aid pressures resulting from the significant increase in asylum claimants eligible for legal aid.
Results achieved
Provinces, including those that experienced increased legal aid demand, were able to provide immigration and refugee legal aid services to eligible persons.
Comments on variances
New funding in the amount of $14.2M has been received through the 2017-18 Supplementary Estimates (A), $4M transfered from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada through the 2017-18 Suplementary Estimates (C) and the Department of Justice reallocated uncommitted funds from another program in the amount of $4.37M.
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
An evaluation of the Legal Aid Program was completed in 2016-2017. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2021-2022.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
Ongoing meetings with the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid to support the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Deputy Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety on matters relating to legal aid.
Performance information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2015–16 Actual spendingTable note ii 2016–17 Actual spendingTable note ii 2017–18 Planned spending 2017–18 Total authorities available for use 2017–18 Actual spending (authorities used) Variance (2017–18 actual minus 2017–18 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 0 0 0 22,568,880 22,568,880 22,568,880
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 0 0 0 22,568,880 22,568,880 22,568,880
Table note ii

As of 2017-18 I&R Legal Aid has been separated from the main fund, Legal Aid Systems. Actual spending for 2015-16 and 2016-17 is included in the planning information table for Legal Aid Systems.

Return to table note ii referrer