2019–2020 Departmental Results Report - Supplementary Information Tables

Details Transfer Payment Programs of $5 million or more

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
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
2018-2019
Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support
Program: Justice System Partnerships

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. The Fund provides 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. The Fund is included in the Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future.
Results achieved

Through the Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund, approximately $9.1 million was provided to 64 projects in 2019-20 as part of the Government of Canada’s Action Plan on Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in our Future.

The funding, provided to 24 organizations and associations, 6 academic institutions and 7 provincial governments, helped to increase the capacity of the justice system and its stakeholders to offer justice services in both official languages and increase the availability of legal information to official language minority communities.

Through the Support Fund: 12 organizations benefited from core funding, 25 projects raised awareness and supported public legal information activities, 4 projects contributed to curriculum development and 5 projects to the development of linguistic tools, 15 projects provided training to justice professionals, 2 projects supported translation of judgements and 1 project supported training in Family Justice.

Findings of audits completed in 2019–20
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20
No evaluations were completed for this program in 2019-20. However, 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 2021-22.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20
The Department undertook consultations with official language minority communities in 2019-20 with the Advisory Committee on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages at their annual meeting in April 2019 and with the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages during an in-person meeting in November 2019. In addition to these formal mechanisms, the Department regularly engages with stakeholders, as needed, on an informal basis.
Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018–19 Actual spending 2019-20 Planned
spending		 2019-20 Total
authorities available for use		 2019-20 Actual
spending (authorities used)		 Variance (2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 81,727 188,565 600,000 279,911 176,363 (423,637)
Total contributions 6,175,720 7,378,074 8,642,845 8,962,934 8,962,934 320,089
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 6,257,447 7,566,639 9,242,845 9,242,845 9,139,297 (103,548)
Explanation of variances
N/A

Indigenous Justice Program

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Indigenous Justice Program
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
Link to department's Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support
Program: Indigenous Justice

Description

The Indigenous Justice Program (IJP) 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 are: 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

In 2019-20, IJP allocated over $12.7M to support 196 Indigenous community-based justice programs that serve roughly 9,000 clients per year in approximately 650 Footnote 1 urban, rural, and northern communities, both on and off-reserve.

IJP programs provide culturally-relevant justice alternatives that are designed and developed by Indigenous communities to reflect their unique traditions and justice priorities. In 2019-20, IJP programs delivered activities at various points of the justice continuum, including prevention, diversion and reintegration. Programs also delivered civil and family mediation services to community members in conflict.

IJP programs reduce rates of recidivism, produce meaningful cost-savings for the criminal justice system and provide transformational change in lives of participants.

Based on internal data, 90% of IJP program participants complete their program. According to data compiled over the years, participants are 43% less likely to reoffend than individuals who were referred, but did not participate Footnote 2 .

Findings of audits completed in 2019–20

N/A

Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–2020

No evaluations were completed for this program in 2019-20. However, the evaluation of the Aboriginal Justice Strategy (currently the Indigenous Justice Program) was completed in 2016-17. An evaluation of the Indigenous Justice Program is planned for completion in 2021-22.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–2020

IJP has long-term funding relationships with its recipients under its Community-Based Fund. The IJP regularly engages with recipients through day-to-day operations, including site visits, phone calls and e-mails.

Additionally, IJP engages with recipients through webinar presentations and various ad-hoc working groups.

In 2019-20, IJP held five national information sharing webinars with its recipients and engaged several recipients via a working group to develop IJP’s new online reporting and data management tool.
The IJP also supports regional gatherings that bring together Justice Canada-funded program staff and other justice stakeholders, during which IJP officials engage with recipients on their regional concerns and priorities.

In 2019-20, six regional gatherings were funded under IJP’s Capacity-Building Fund.

IJP also holds calls for proposals and directed funding opportunities under its Capacity-Building Fund depending on availability of funds. In 2019-20, IJP made available directed funding opportunities to existing recipients based on set criteria that were primarily focused on training.

Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018-19 Actual spending 2019-20 Planned spending 2019-20 Total authorities available for use 2019-20 Actual
spending (authorities used)		 Variance (2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 50,000 50,000 50,000 50,000 49,777 (223)
Total contributions 12,650,000 12,959,920 12,650,000 13,006,109 13,006,109 356,109
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 12,700,000 13,009,920 12,700,000 13,056,109 13,055,886 355,886
Explanation of variances

N/A

Criminal Legal Aid

General information

Name of transfer payment program

Criminal Legal Aid

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

2019-20

Link to department's Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support
Program: Legal Representation

Description
The federal Criminal Legal Aid Program’s objective is to support a national system of justice that helps to ensure that economically disadvantaged persons accused of serious and/or complex criminal offences and facing the likelihood of incarceration have access to legal representation, through contribution funding to the provinces for the delivery of criminal and youth criminal services. Criminal legal aid funding 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 legal aid services in criminal matters to eligible adults and youth.

Based on the most recent program data available (2018-19), the provinces approved 265,968 full legal representation applications for criminal legal aidFootnote 3.

Findings of audits completed in 2018-19
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20

No evaluations were completed for this program in 2019-20. However, an evaluation of the Legal Aid Program was completed in 2016-17. The next evaluation is planned for 2021-22.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019-20

In 2019-20, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid (PWG) held one 2-day meeting in Calgary in November. The PWG (and its sub-committees) held 8 teleconferences in 2019-20.

The PWG supports the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Deputy Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety on matters relating to legal aid such as policy development and funding.

Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018-19 Actual spending 2019-20 Planned spending 2019-20 Total authorities available for use 2019-20 Actual
spending (authorities used)		 Variance (2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 119,727,507 122,577,507 127,327,507 127,327,507 127,327,507 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 119,727,507 122,577,507 127,327,507 127,327,507 127,327,507 0
Explanation of variances
N/A

Youth Justice Services Funding Program

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Youth Justice Services Funding Program
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
Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support
Program: 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; and,
  • Conferencing and other community-based sanctions.

Based on the most recently published data by Statistics Canada(2017-18), 87% of youth court cases received a non-custodial (community-based) sentence Footnote 4 . This is 2% better than the 85% target set for this indicator. This indicator allows an assessment of the extent to which community-based youth justice services and programs are being promoted and given priority, thus allowing jurisdictions to minimize their use and reliance on custody.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20
No evaluations were completed for this program in 2019-20. However, 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 in 2019-20

Recipients are engaged through the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Youth Justice Cost Sharing and Programs, which serves as a forum for ongoing monitoring and discussions of inter-jurisdictional issues concerning youth corrections.

Working Group meetings occurred via teleconference on June 11, 2019, and December 10, 2019.

Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018-19 Actual spending 2019-20 Planned spending 2019-20 Total authorities available for use 2019-20 Actual
spending (authorities used)		 Variance (2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 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
Explanation of variances
N/A

Canadian Family Justice Fund

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Canadian Family Justice Fund (formerly the Supporting Families Fund)
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
Link to department's Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Family Justice

Description

The Fund facilitates access to the family justice system for families experiencing separation and divorce through various services, programs and information resources.

The Fund provides support to provincial and territorial governments through the Activities component for the development and delivery of family justice programs and services. Through the Projects component, the fund also supports projects and activities by provinces and territories, non-governmental organizations and individuals that inform Canadians about family law issues such as parenting arrangements and child/spousal support or develop new strategies, models and tools intended to improve access to family justice.

Results achieved

Funding support of over $15 million for provinces and territories continued in 2019-20. This funding supported the delivery of family justice programs and services for families undergoing separation and divorce.

In addition, 21 projects (5 from provinces and territories and 16 from non-governmental organisations) were funded for a total of just over $1 million. This included projects to:

  • Help streamline the family justice system through new Online Dispute Resolution in Nova Scotia;
  • Support alternatives to court through a new Recalculation Service in Saskatchewan and an enhanced Maintenance Enforcement Program in Nova Scotia;
  • Deliver workshops and information materials targeting diverse and underserved populations through Online Indigenous Parenting After Separation information in British Columbia and Family Mediation Services in Yukon; and
  • Support family well-being through Public Legal Education and Information updates on changes to the Divorce Act.
Findings of audits completed in 2019-20
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20

No evaluations were completed for this program in 2019-20. However, an evaluation of Federal Support for Family Justice was completed in 2018-19. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2022-23.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019-20
The Department engaged with provincial and territorial counterparts through an in-person meeting with the Coordinating Committee of Senior Officials – Family Justice in May 2019 and in November 2019. In addition, various federal, provincial and territorial sub-committees and working groups met by conference call (over 40 calls) and in-person (6 meetings) throughout the year to discuss issues related to family law policy development. The Department also engages with stakeholders informally throughout the year on an as-needed basis.
Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018-19 Actual spending 2019-20 Planned spending 2019-20 Total authorities available for use 2019-20 Actual
spending (authorities used)		 Variance (2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 15,934,485 16,099,872 16,000,000 16,045,868 16,045,868 45,868
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 15,934,485 16,099,872 16,000,000 16,045,868 16,045,868 45,868
Explanation of variances
N/A

Victims Fund

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Victims Fund
Start date
Victims of Crime Initiative (VCI) March 2000, 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
2016-17
Link to department's Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Victims of Crime

Description
The Fund is designed to support the objectives of the Federal Victims Strategy to provide improved access to justice for victims and survivors of crime. 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 results achieved are:

  • Improved access to justice for victims and survivors of crime by funding 5 jurisdictions to provide independent legal advice to victims of sexual assault;
  • Enhanced capacity for the delivery of appropriate and responsive victim services by funding 8 new projects that provide enhanced services to meet specific needs of victims of human trafficking; and, by supporting projects that provide in-person or online training for criminal justice personnel;
  • Increased public awareness of victim/survivor issues, legislation and available services by funding 179 Victims and Survivors of Crime Week events; and,
  • Reduced barriers to meaningful victim/survivor participation in the criminal justice system by providing funding to provinces and territories and non-governmental organisations for testimonial aids such as CCTV/Video-conferencing equipment, witness screens, child-friendly waiting rooms, etc.
Findings of audits completed in 2019-20
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20
No evaluations were completed for this program in 2019-20. However, 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 in 2019-20

The Policy Centre for Victims Issues (PCVI) engages provincial and territorial partners, as well as non-governmental stakeholders from a variety of fields, on an ongoing basis to discuss issues related to policy development, legislation and the Victims Fund. The Victims Fund Program engages with applicants and recipients through specific calls for funding proposals and on an ongoing basis regarding the availability of funds. Specific initiatives supported by the Victims Fund include:

  • Support of the annual Victims and Survivors of Crime Week;
  • Support to families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls;
  • Support to improve access to justice and services for all victims of crime, with a particular focus on meeting the needs of vulnerable victims, including victims of human trafficking, victims of sexual offences and child victims of crime; and
  • Support to Child Advocacy Centres.

Finally, through regular outreach and communications activities (e.g., updated PCVI website, subject-specific Knowledge Exchanges, WebEx and Webinars), PCVI continues to engage stakeholders in on-going issues of mutual interest.

Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018-19 Actual spending 2019-20 Planned spending 2019-20 Total authorities available for use 2019-20 Actual
spending (authorities used)		 Variance (2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 2,230,896 1,941,441 3,450,000 2,456,391 1,782,728 (1,667,272)
Total contributions 24,211,192 26,827,828 25,267,265 26,260,874 26,260,872 993,607
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 26,442,088 28,769,269 28,717,265 28,717,265 28,043,600 (673,665)
Explanation of variances
N/A

Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program
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
Link to department's Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: 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 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 2019-20, a total of sixteen (16) IRCS orders were issued by the courts and became eligible for federal funding, bringing the total number of active IRCS cases to forty-six (46). In addition, twenty-three (23) exceptional cases received were approved for funding during 2019-20, bringing the total number of active exceptional cases to twenty-six (26).

In 2019-20, 100% of identified, eligible IRCS cases (IRCS orders and exceptional cases) received specialized treatment.  

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20
No evaluations were completed for this program in 2019-20. However, 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 in 2019–20

Recipients are engaged through the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Youth Justice Cost Sharing and Programs, which serves as a forum for ongoing monitoring and discussion of inter-jurisdictional issues concerning youth corrections.

Working Group meetings occurred via teleconference on June 11, 2019, and December 10, 2019.

Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018-19 Actual spending 2019-20 Planned spending 2019-20 Total authorities available for use 2019-20 Actual
spending (authorities used)		 Variance (2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 11,287,933 11,048,000 11,048,000 11,048,000 11,048,000 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 11,287,933 11,048,000 11,048,000 11,048,000 11,048,000 0
Explanation of variances
N/A

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
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
2013-14
Link to department's Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Contraventions Regime

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 ensure the implementation of the Contraventions Act in a manner consistent with all applicable constitutional and legislative language rights.

The Fund aims to provide provinces and territories with the ability to deliver 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

Through the Contraventions Act Fund, the Department has continued to provide funding to provinces and municipalities where the regime is implemented so they can undertake measures that ensure language rights are respected in relation to the administration and enforcement of federal contraventions.

The provinces fulfilled official languages duties on behalf of the federal government by sustaining concrete measures meant to ensure that offender’s language rights are respected. The Department currently provides funding to 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 have received a federal contraventions ticket had access to communications in the official language of choice and, in any courthouse, to judicial services in the language of choice.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20
No evaluations were completed for this program in 2019-20. However, an evaluation of the Contraventions Act Program was completed in 2016-17. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2020-21.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019-20
The Department actively engages with its provincial and municipal partners on an as-needed basis throughout the year in conformity with the Contraventions Act Sub-Working Group’s mandate, by which sharing of information and discussion are beneficial to all, as well as through the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages in-person meeting held in November 2019. 
Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018-19 Actual spending 2019-20 Planned spending 2019-20 Total authorities available for use 2019-20 Actual
spending (authorities used)		 Variance (2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 3,666,498 4,159,047 9,094,900 9,094,900 4,866,243 (4,228,657)
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 3,666,498 4,159,047 9,094,900 9,094,900 4,866,243 (4,228,657)
Explanation of variances
The variance between the 2019-20 actual spending of $4.87M versus the planned spending of $9.09M is explained by the fact that some provinces/territories are not ready to implement the Regime despite continuous efforts deployed by the Department. These negotiations and progress depend largely on the priorities, and therefore capacity, of the provinces. Only when all jurisdictions have signed agreements will the fund be completely committed.

Indigenous Courtwork Program

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Indigenous Courtwork Program
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
Link to department's Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Indigenous Justice

Description
The objective of the Indigenous Courtwork Program (ICW) 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 relevant 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).

According to the latest internal national data available (2016-17), Courtworkers provided 142,889 in court and out of court services to over 74,000 Indigenous persons in contact with the criminal justice system. Over 95% of Indigenous persons receiving services from a Courtworker reported satisfaction with the information received.

Findings of audits completed in 2019–2020
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–2020
No evaluations were completed for this program in 2019-20. However, 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 in 2019–2020

Ongoing engagement through the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group and the Tripartite Working Group on the ICW Program.

Collaborative justice working group bringing together Indigenous services providers from the ICW and the Indigenous Justice program as well as federal, provincial, territorial funders to improve collaborations and better meet the needs of Indigenous clients and communities.

The ICW Program also supports training and engagement sessions that bring together Courtworkers, Indigenous communities and other justice system stakeholders.

In particular, the ICW Program supported a meeting in February 2020 between Ryerson University and Tripartite Working Group members to discuss a potential partnership on a national initiative to support system reform to address youth who cross over from the child welfare system into the criminal justice system. This work will continue into 2021-22.

Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018-19 Actual spending 2019-20 Planned spending 2019-20 Total authorities available for use 2019-20 Actual
spending (authorities used)		 Variance (2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 7,950,845 8,622,436 7,961,363 7,989,918 7,989,918 28,555
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 7,950,845 8,622,436 7,961,363 7,989,918 7,989,918 28,555
Explanation of variances
N/A

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

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Access to Justice Services in the Territories (being Legal Aid, Indigenous Courtwork and Public Legal Education and Information Services) Footnote 5
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
2019-20
Link to department's Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Legal Representation

Description
The goal of the Access to Justice Services program 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. In addition, 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

Territorial residents have access to justice services (legal aid, Indigenous courtwork services, and public legal education and information) that respond to their needs and circumstances.

Based on the most recent program data available, 4,306 criminal legal aid applications were approved in the territories, as well as 1,262 applications for civil legal aid Footnote6 .

Indigenous courtwork services results achieved in the territories are presented under Indigenous Courtwork Program, in combination with those of the participating provinces.

Findings of audits completed in 2019-20
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019-20
No evaluations were completed for this program in 2019-20. Access to Justice Services Agreements in the Territories are examined as part of the Legal Aid Program, Indigenous Courtwork Program (ICW) and Justice Partnership and Innovation Program (JPIP) evaluations. The evaluations of the Legal Aid Program and JPIP were completed in 2016-17. The evaluation of ICW was completed in 2017-18. The next evaluations are planned for: Legal Aid Program (2021-22), ICW (2022-23), and JPIP (2023-24).
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019-20

In November 2019, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid (PWG) held one 2-day meeting in Calgary. The PWG and its sub-committees also held 8 teleconferences in 2019-20. The PWG supports the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Deputy Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety on matters relating to legal aid such as policy development and funding. For issues relating to courtworkers, ongoing engagement takes place through the PWG and the Tripartite Working Group on the Indigenous Courtwork Program.

Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018-19 Actual spending 2019-20 Planned spending 2019-20 Total authorities available for use 2019-20 Actual
spending (authorities used)		 Variance (2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 6,406,593 6,556,593 6,806,593 7,086,593 7,086,592 279,999
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 6,406,593 6,556,593 6,806,593 7,086,593 7,086,592 279,999
Explanation of variances
N/A

Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid
Start date
2001-2002
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Contributions
Type of appropriation
Voted through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2019-20
Link to department's Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Legal Representation

Description

Immigration and refugee legal aid contributes to a fair and efficient asylum system.

The provision of legal aid for eligible in-Canada asylum seekers and persons involved in immigration proceedings helps ensure that eligible individuals have the necessary documentation, understand the process and are well prepared for their hearing. Ensuring that individuals experience a fair process contributes to timelier decisions, cost avoidance for the federal government and better outcomes for individuals and the asylum system as a whole.

Results achieved

Provinces that provide immigration and refugee legal aid, including those with increased demand for services, were able to maintain the delivery of legal aid services for eligible persons in immigration and refugee matters throughout 2019-20.

Findings of audits completed in 2019–20
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20
No evaluations were completed for this program in 2019-20. However, an evaluation of the Legal Aid Program was completed in 2016-17. The next evaluation is planned for 2021-22.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20
In November 2019, the Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid Sub-Committee of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid held an in-person one-day meeting in Calgary. The Sub-Committee also held 5 teleconferences in addition to the ongoing communication with provincial government and legal aid plan officials that took place throughout the fiscal year.
Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018-19 Actual spending 2019-20 Planned spending 2019-20 Total authorities available for use 2019-20 Actual
spending (authorities used)		 Variance (2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 22,568,880 26,991,977 11,500,000 54,488,351 54,488,320 42,988,320
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 22,568,880 26,991,977 11,500,000 54,488,351 54,488,320 42,988,320
Explanation of variances

The variance between the 2019-20 actual spending of $54.49M versus the planned spending of $11.50M is due to $42.99M in additional funding received during the year. $16.15M in additional funding was for Enhancing the Integrity of Canada's Borders and Asylum System. The remaining $26.84M was used to address immigration and refugee legal aid pressures, given the Ontario provincial government’s withdrawal of funding for immigration and refugee legal aid.

Justice Partnership and Innovation Program (JPIP)

General information

Name of transfer payment program
Justice Partnership and Innovation Program (JPIP)
Start date
April 1, 1996
End date
Ongoing
Type of transfer payment
Grants and Contributions
Type of appropriation
Voted through Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2019-20
Link to department's Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Justice System Partnerships

Description

To support policy directions of the Department on issues related to family violence, violence against Indigenous women and girls, access to justice, sexual harassment in the workplace, revitalization of Indigenous laws and legal traditions and other emerging issues.

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.

Results achieved

The results achieved are:

  • Supported 20 new projects, including at least one in every jurisdiction across Canada, to enhance awareness and understanding of workplace sexual harassment;
  • Supported 4 new projects that addressed the revitalization of Indigenous laws and legal traditions;
  • Ensured that stakeholders have the capacity to build knowledge, awareness and understanding of justice issues by increasing funding to provincially-designated Public Legal Education and Information (PLEI) organisations; and,

Ensured that Canada's justice policy objectives are met by participating in the work of three international organizations, including Canada’s full membership to the European Commission of Democracy through Law (Venice Commission).

Findings of audits completed in 2019–20
N/A
Findings of evaluations completed in 2019–20
No evaluations were completed for this program in 2019-20. However, an evaluation of the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program (JPIP) was completed in 2016-17. The next evaluation is planned for 2023-24.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2019–20
Ongoing engagement with funding recipients providing public legal education and information and supporting the Department's interest in issues related to access to justice, family violence, revitalization of Indigenous law, sexual harassment in the workplace and other emerging justice issues, through ongoing dialogue and funding through calls for proposals. Information is also provided through the departmental website and provided to potential applicants by telephone and e-mail.
Financial information (dollars)
Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Actual spending 2018-19 Actual spending 2019-20 Planned spending 2019-20 Total authorities available for use 2019-20 Actual
spending (authorities used)		 Variance (2019-20 actual minus 2019-20 planned)
Total grants 1,582,972 1,642,885 1,749,158 2,933,048 2,894,288 1,145,130
Total contributions 1,356,329 1,683,383 1,113,997 6,732,985 5,592,354 4,478,357
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total program 2,939,301 3,326,268 2,863,155 9,666,033 8,486,642 5,623,487
Explanation of variances

The variance between the 2019-20 actual spending of $8.49M versus the planned spending of $2.86M is due to new funding received for the following initiatives: Giving Canadians Better Access to Public Legal Education and Information (PLEI) and Support Renewed Legal relationships with Indigenous Peoples (Call to Action 50), as well as Provide Legal Support and Awareness to Address Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.

The remainder of the variance is a lapse attributable to the PLEI workplace sexual harassment component due to a lack of viable applications for some regions and the election period, which led to delayed approvals of projects, impacting recipients’ ability to engage funds and implement their projects as planned.