Details on Transfer Payment Programs

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/jsp-sjp/ol-lo/index.html

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

2020-21

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Justice System Partnerships

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
The long-term goal of the Fund is an increasingly relevant, accessible and responsive Canadian justice system that is capable of offering services to Canadians in both official languages.

Objectives:

• 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 communities concerning their rights and issues related to access to justice in both official languages.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

Approximately $12.7 million in funding was made available to 78 projects through the Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund in 2021-22. These include:

• 44 projects funded to increase awareness in the legal community and official language minority communities concerning their rights and issues related to access to justice in both official languages;
• 27 projects funded to increase the capacity of the justice system and its stakeholders to offer justice services in both official languages; and
• Seven provinces received funding to support their implementation of the official languages provision in the Divorce Act.

This funding, which was provided to 24 organizations/associations, five academic institutions, and seven 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.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

An evaluation of the Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund was completed in 2021-22. The results of the evaluation have shown that the current program structure is well suited to pursue the goal of ensuring that Canadians from official language minority communities (OLMCs) have access to information on their rights and responsibilities in the official language of their choice, and that the justice system has the institutional capacity to offer services in both official languages. The initiative has also proven to be sufficiently flexible to adapt to the needs of OLMCs and justice system stakeholders.

Since the program was established, it has achieved considerable maturity and has secured important results such as support for the development of a significant body of relevant legal information material and funding to a wide range of organizations that inform members of OLMCs about their rights and obligations. It has also led to a strong institutional framework that supports a systemic assessment of training needs, the development of required training material, the delivery of training activities, the assessment of the language capacity of participants, and the provision of follow-up activities to maintain language skills acquired. Finally, the evaluation found that the core funding component provided the required stability needed among recipient organizations, which in turn allowed them to more adequately fulfil their mandate and undertake projects.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

The Department undertook consultations with OLMCs in 2021-22 through the Advisory Committee on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages at its annual meeting held virtually on June 2021 and twice with the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages in May 2021 and December 2021. In addition to these formal mechanisms, the Department engaged with stakeholders, as needed, on a regular and informal basis.

Total grants

176,363

434,173

600,000

600,000

596,337

(3,663)

Total contributions

8,962,934

8,674,958

12,092,845

12,092,845

10,819,391

(1,273,454)

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

9,139,297

9,109,131

12,692,845

12,692,845

11,415,728

(1,277,117)

Explanation of variances

The funding lapse is related to lower uptake by recipients for former Bill C-78 (Divorce Act) funding and COVID-19 impact on in-person activities, such as language training.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/access.html

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

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Legal Representation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
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 services, 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).

Objectives:

• Legal aid services in the territories
  • 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.
• Indigenous courtwork services
  • 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.
• Public legal education and information
  • 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.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

Through this program, territorial residents were able to access justice services, such as legal aid, Indigenous courtwork services, and public legal education and information that responded to their needs and circumstances.

Based on the most recent program data available from the Legal Aid in Canada report for 2020-21 published in 2022, 1,002 criminal legal aid applications were approved in Nunavut and Northwest Territories in 2020-21, as well as 762 applications for civil legal aid1 (Yukon data is not yet available). The reduction, as compared with 2019-20, is due to the impact of the pandemic and court closures. Duty counsel assistance was provided in criminal matters in the territories 6,457 times.2

Results achieved for Indigenous courtwork services in the territories are presented under the Indigenous Courtwork Program (ICW) table, in combination with those of the participating provinces.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

Access to Justice Services Agreements in the Territories are examined as part of the Legal Aid Program, the ICW, and the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program (JPIP) evaluations. The evaluation of the Legal Aid Program completed in 2021-22 found that the program continues to serve the public interest by providing access to justice to low-income individuals, including vulnerable populations (Indigenous and racialized persons). The program also contributes to the efficiency of the justice system; as without it, the system would have more unrepresented individuals who are not well equipped to handle their cases, contributing to court delays.

The next evaluations are planned for completion in 2026-27 (Legal Aid Program), 2022-23 (ICW), and 2023-24 (JPIP).

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

In 2021-22, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid (PWG) and its subcommittees held 13 virtual meetings. The PWG supports the FPT 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 FPT and Tripartite Working Groups on the Indigenous Courtwork Program.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

7,086,592

7,686,593

7,586,593

8,415,213

8,415,213

828,620

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

7,086,592

7,686,593

7,586,593

8,415,213

8,415,213

828,620

Explanation of variances

The variance is due to additional funding received in 2021-22 to increase the federal government’s legal aid support to provinces and territories throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and to support the development of Gladue reports, as announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement; and family courtwork services through the Indigenous courtwork component, as announced in Budget 2021.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/famil/index.html

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

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Family Justice

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Facilitate access to the family justice system for families experiencing separation and divorce.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

Funding support of $15 million for provinces and territories under the activities component continued in 2021-22. This funding supported the delivery of family justice programs and services for families undergoing separation and divorce. In addition, under the projects component, funding was provided to seven provinces to work towards implementation of the official languages provisions of the Divorce Act, and to five provinces to support Supervised Parenting Time Activities.

In addition to the projects noted above, under the projects component of the fund, 16 projects received funding which totalled $962,626. Activities supported included:

• Funding to five public legal education and information organizations to update materials and deliver workshops on the recent amendments to the Divorce Act.
• Funding to ten organizations for which projects targeted underserved populations.
• A funded project with the Government of New Brunswick towards a new child support recalculation service that updates child support amounts on the basis of current income information from the parents.
• The University of Windsor received funding for a project to create an online curriculum, which includes information related to the recent changes in the Divorce Act. The project included the creation of 90-minute lessons related to family court legal material delivered via live webinars with a panel of experts who provided legal information, explanations of procedures and answers to participants’ questions.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

The last 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 2021-22

The Department engaged with provincial and territorial counterparts through a virtual meeting with the Coordinating Committee of Senior Officials – Family Justice in November 2021. In addition, various federal, provincial and territorial sub-committees and working groups met regularly by conference call and virtually throughout the year to discuss issues related to family law policy development. The Department also engaged with stakeholders informally throughout the year on an as-needed basis.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

16,045,868

15,870,366

18,375,000

20,375,000

17,073,435

(1,301,565)

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

16,045,868

15,870,366

18,375,000

20,375,000

17,073,435

(1,301,565)

Explanation of variances

The variance between the 2021-22 actual spending of $17.1 million versus the planned spending of $18.4 million is mainly due to new funding announced in Budget 2021 to advance the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. The newly allocated funding supports supervision services for parenting time in cases of separation and divorce to protect the safety and well-being of children and families. This funding is included under the total authorities available for use. The funding lapse is mainly related to lower uptake by recipients for former Bill C-78 (Divorce Act) funding in addition to provinces not accessing their maximum funding under the new initiative.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/aid-aide.html

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

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Legal Representation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

To promote fair legal proceedings for eligible persons and to promote public confidence in the justice system through federal contribution funding to the provinces.

There are no repayable contributions.

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 (2020-21), the provinces approved 198,844 full legal representation applications for criminal legal aid3. The reduction from 2019-20 is due to the impact of the pandemic and court closures. Criminal duty counsel services were provided 663,829 times in 2020-21 to provincial legal aid clients.4

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

An evaluation of this program was completed in 2021-22 and found that the Program continues to serve the public interest by providing access to justice to low-income individuals, including vulnerable populations (Indigenous and racialized persons). The Program also contributes to the efficiency of the justice system; as without it, the system would have more unrepresented individuals who are not well equipped to handle their cases, contributing to court delays. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2026-27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

In 2021-22, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid (PWG) and its subcommittees held 13 virtual meetings. The PWG supports the FPT Deputy Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety on matters relating to legal aid, such as policy development and funding.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

127,327,507

138,727,507

136,827,507

146,327,507

146,327,507

9,500,000

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

127,327,507

138,727,507

136,827,507

146,327,507

146,327,507

9,500,000

Explanation of variances

The variance between the 2021-22 actual spending of $146.3 million versus the planned spending of $136.8 million is due to additional funding received in 2021-22 to increase the federal government’s criminal legal aid support to provinces and territories throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/dtc-ttt.html

Start date

April 1, 2004

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contributions

Type of appropriation

Voted through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

The criminal justice system supports alternative ways of responding to the causes and consequences of offending.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Drug Treatment Court Funding Program (DTCFP)

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
To reduce crime committed as a result of a substance use disorder through court-monitored treatment and community service support for eligible non-violent offenders.

Objectives:

• To promote and strengthen the use of alternatives to incarceration with a particular focus on vulnerable populations;
• To support offenders in addressing their cycle of addiction and criminal behavior as a means of reducing criminal recidivism; and
• To collect information and data on the effectiveness of Drug Treatment Courts (DTCs) in order to promote best practices and the continuing refinement of approaches.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

In 2021-22, the DTCFP provided funding for the operation of 20 drug treatment courts, located in eight provinces and two territories.

Based on available partial information at the time of publication, over 115 new participants were admitted into the program in 2021-22, resulting in more than 245 active participants throughout the fiscal year. Sixty nine percent of participants participated in the program for more than six months.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

An evaluation of the Drug Treatment Court Funding Program was completed in 2021-22. The evaluation recommended:

• Continuing to enhance sharing of information and lessons learned among the DTCs;
• Considering ways to support DTCs in including groups who may be underrepresented; and
• Examining ways to enhance reporting quality and strengthening the expectations, in funding agreements, for reporting by DTCs.

A supplementary study regarding recidivism is underway and will be completed in 2022-23.

The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2026-27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

The program consults with recipients through the DTCFP’s Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Working Group to share lessons learned and best practices, and to identify solutions for issues affecting drug treatment court effectiveness. The DTCFP held two meetings of its FPT Working Group in 2021-22. The program also held numerous meetings with individual jurisdictions in order to negotiate the amendments to the agreements for fiscal years 2021-23.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

3,692,000

3,746,000

3,746,000

5,882,900

5,882,900

2,136,900

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

3,692,000

3,746,000

3,746,000

5,882,900

5,882,900

2,136,900

Explanation of variances

The variance between the 2021-22 actual spending of $5.9 million versus the planned spending of $3.7 million is due to additional spending to expand access to DTCs, as announced in Budget 2021. Since the Department did not receive additional funding for this initiative in 2021-22, some funds were transferred internally from the Contraventions Act Fund.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/aid-aide.html

Start date

April 1, 2001

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contributions

Type of appropriation

Voted through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Legal Representation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

To promote access to justice for economically disadvantaged immigrants and refugees, and contribute to a fair and efficient asylum system.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

Through their immigration and refugee legal aid service providers, the seven provinces that provide immigration and refugee legal aid were able to maintain the delivery of legal aid services for eligible persons in immigration and refugee matters throughout 2021-22. Based on the most recent program data available, 24,9605 legal aid certificates were provided for immigration and refugee legal aid in the six provinces6 that received federal funding in 2020-21.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

An evaluation of the Legal Aid Program was completed in 2021-22 and found that the Program continues to serve the public interest by providing access to justice for low-income individuals, including vulnerable populations. Key informants noted that federal funding for immigration and refugee legal aid has been crucial to maintaining services for provinces that experienced an influx of asylum seekers and/or substantial provincial budget cuts. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2026-27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

Due to COVID-19, the Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid Sub-Committee of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid (PWG) met virtually in 2021-22. Immigration and refugee legal aid was also a discussion topic at the 13 PWG virtual meetings throughout the year. Engagement through these virtual meetings was in addition to the ongoing communication with provincial government and legal aid plan officials that took place throughout the fiscal year.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

54,488,320

48,527,293

28,210,000

55,000,000

52,156,386

23,946,386

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

54,488,320

48,527,293

28,210,000

55,000,000

52,156,386

23,946,386

Explanation of variances

The variance between the 2021-22 actual spending of $52.2 million versus the planned spending of $28.2 million is mainly due to additional funding provided through Budget 2021.  This funding helped ensure that all seven provinces providing immigration and refugee legal aid had the capacity to maintain historical service delivery levels throughout 2021-22, as announced in Budget 2021.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/contraventions.html

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

2012-13

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Contraventions Regime

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

To support provincial, territorial and municipal partners in ensuring the provision of judicial and extra-judicial services in both official languages in respect of proceedings instituted under the Contraventions Act.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

Through the Contraventions Act Fund, the Department has continued to provide funding to provinces and municipalities where the Contraventions Act 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 Department provided funding to six provinces and one municipality (where there are no provincial obligations to fulfil the offenders’ official language rights). This enabled the provision of judicial and extra-judicial services in the official language of choice of the accused where mandated.

No official languages complaints were lodged during the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

No evaluation was conducted in 2021-22. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2025-26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

The Department actively engaged with its provincial, territorial 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 discussions were beneficial to all, as well as through the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages meeting held in Fall 2021.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

4,866,243

4,809,227

9,094,900

6,458,000

4,579,471

(4,515,429)

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

4,866,243

4,809,227

9,094,900

6,458,000

4,579,471

(4,515,429)

Explanation of variances

The variance between the 2021-22 actual spending of $4.6 million versus the planned spending of $9.1 million is explained by the fact that some provinces and territories were not yet ready to implement the Contraventions Act Regime and therefore did not incur expenditures as anticipated. The negotiations and progress depend largely on the priorities, and therefore capacity, of the provinces and territories. The funds will be completely committed once all jurisdictions have signed agreements.

Total authorities available for use were reduced by $2.6 million. $0.5 million was transferred to the Department of Indigenous Services to support the implementation of the British Columbia First Nations Justice Strategy, and the remaining amount was reallocated internally to support funding requirements under the Drug Treatment Court Funding Program.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/acp-apc/index.html

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

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Indigenous Justice

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

To facilitate and enhance access to justice for Indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system (whether as accused persons, victims, witnesses or family members) by obtaining fair, just, equitable and culturally relevant treatment.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

Indigenous courtworkers continued to provide high quality and 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 (2018-19), courtworkers provided 150,018 in-court and out-of-court services to over 69,000 Indigenous persons in contact with the criminal justice system. The most recent evaluation in 2018 reported that over 95% of Indigenous persons receiving services from a courtworker reported satisfaction with the information received.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

No evaluation was conducted in 2021-22. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2022-23.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

Ongoing engagement occurred through the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Working Group and the Tripartite Working Group on the ICW. The FPT working group met virtually three times in 2021-22 and the TWG met virtually twice (total five meetings).

A collaborative justice working group brings together Indigenous services providers from the ICW and the Indigenous Justice program, as well as FPT funders to improve collaboration and better meet the needs of Indigenous clients and communities.

The ICW also supports training and engagement sessions that bring together courtworkers, Indigenous communities and other justice system stakeholders. However, due to COVID-19, no collective training or engagement sessions were held in 2021-22.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

7,989,918

7,718,671

7,961,363

10,332,743

10,278,998

2,317,635

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

7,989,918

7,718,671

7,961,363

10,332,743

10,278,998

2,317,635

Explanation of variances

The variance between the 2021-22 actual spending of $10.3 million versus the planned spending of $8.0 million is mainly due to new funding to support the development of Gladue Reports, as announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement; and to new funding to support Indigenous Family Courtwork Services, as announced in Budget 2021.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/acf-fca/ajs-sja/index.html

Start date

1991-92 as the 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

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

The criminal justice system supports alternative ways of responding to the causes and consequences of offending.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Indigenous Justice

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
The Indigenous Justice Program (IJP) supports Indigenous community-based justice programs that offer alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances.

Objectives:

• 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 funded programs.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

In 2021-22, the Indigenous Justice Program (IJP) supported 211 Indigenous community-based justice programs that serve roughly 9,000 clients per year on an ongoing basis in approximately 6507 urban, rural, and northern communities, both on and off reserve.

IJP-supported programs are unique in that the services offered by each program are based on their own justice-related priorities and designed to reflect the culture and values of the communities in which they are situated. In 2021-22, 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 have been found to 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, approximately 90% of IJP participants complete their program. According to IJP’s last completed recidivism study, participants are 43% less likely to reoffend than individuals who were referred, but did not participate.8

As a result of funding announced in Budget 2021, IJP has a new Indigenous Engagement Fund which sunsets in 2023-24. Through this fund, grants are provided to Indigenous partners and organizations to support engagement activities that will contribute to the development of the Indigenous Justice Strategy. In 2021-22, a total of 38 multi-year projects were approved under this new Fund.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

An evaluation of the IJP was completed in 2021-22.

The evaluation found that the IJP provides culturally appropriate alternatives to the mainstream criminal justice system and is responsive to the needs of accused/offenders by helping them understand and address the underlying factors contributing to the offences. IJP-supported community-based justice programs were found to be responsive to the needs of offenders who have participated in them and, more broadly, to victims and community members. The IJP was also found to have increased Indigenous communities’ involvement in designing and delivering a wide range of justice-related programming in their communities.

Two supplementary studies regarding recidivism and costing are underway and will be completed in 2022-23.

The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2026-27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

The IJP has long-term funding relationships with its recipients under its Community-Based Fund and regularly engages with recipients through day-to-day operations, including site visits, phone calls and e-mails. In 2021-22, the IJP used video conferencing in lieu of in-person visits due to the ongoing pandemic.

Additionally, IJP engages with recipients through webinar presentations, as well as various ad-hoc working groups and meetings. In March 2022, the IJP worked with a funded program to deliver a knowledge exchange on Gladue Casework/Aftercare to IJP programs that were about to launch new programming in this area.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

49,777

50,000

50,000

3,050,000

3,050,000

3,000,000

Total contributions

13,006,109

13,183,912

12,650,000

18,951,512

17,994,583

5,344,583

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

13,055,886

13,233,912

12,700,000

22,001,512

21,044,583

8,344,583

Explanation of variances

The variance between the 2021-22 actual spending of $21.0 million versus the planned spending of $12.7 million is due to new grant and contribution funding to improve access to justice for Indigenous people as announced in Budget 2021, as well as new contribution funding to support the implementation of Gladue Principles in the mainstream justice system as announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/intens.html

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

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

The criminal justice system supports alternative ways of responding to the causes and consequences of offending.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Youth Justice

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
To provide 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.

Objectives:
To financially assist the provinces and territories in providing the specialized services required for the implementation of the Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision (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.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

Through the Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision (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 2021-22, 19 IRCS orders were issued by the courts and became eligible for federal funding with a total of 73 IRCS cases active during 2021-22. In addition, 11 exceptional cases were approved for funding with a total of 31 exceptional cases active during 2021-22.

In 2021-22, 100% of identified, eligible IRCS Program cases (IRCS orders and exceptional cases) received specialized treatment.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

No evaluation was conducted in 2021-22.

The next evaluation of the Youth Justice Initiative, in which the IRCS is a component, is planned for completion in 2025-26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

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. In 2021-22, four Working Group meetings occurred via videoconference. These meetings were primarily focused on the renewal of the IRCS Agreement for the period of 2021-22 to 2026-27.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

11,048,000

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

11,048,000

11,048,000

11,048,000

11,048,000

11,048,000

0

Explanation of variances

Not applicable

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/jsp-sjp/jpip-pjpi.html

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

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Justice System Partnerships

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
The long-term goal of the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program is to contribute to increasing access to the Canadian justice system and strengthening the Canadian legal framework.

Objectives:

• To promote and encourage involvement in the identification of emerging trends, issues and/or gaps and possible responses with respect to the justice system;
• To strengthen the justice system’s response to family violence and to promote public awareness of and involvement in the response to family violence;  and
• To build knowledge, awareness and understanding among justice stakeholders and/or the public on justice issues and other emerging justice related issues.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

• Supported 17 new projects to provide Independent Legal Advice/Representation for victims of intimate partner violence.
• Supported five new projects to provide additional supports for victims of intimate partner violence involved in the family justice system.
• In total, 27 projects supported the revitalization of Indigenous laws and legal traditions.
• Funded the BC First Nations Justice Council for a Community Justice Centre pilot project to support the expansion of Indigenous Justice Centres in British Columbia and the development of a Virtual Indigenous Justice Centre.
• Ensured that stakeholders have the capacity to build knowledge, awareness and understanding of justice issues by continuing to fund provincially designated public legal education and information organizations.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

No evaluation was conducted in 2021-22. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2023-24.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

Funding recipients were engaged through ongoing dialogue and calls for proposals. Information was available through the departmental website and provided to potential applicants by telephone and e-mail.

In Summer 2021, JPIP held consultations with diverse community organizations from across the country to discuss gaps and barriers in access to the justice system for racialized communities. Feedback from the consultations supported the development of a new funding initiative “Funding to Provide Legal Services and Supports for Racialized Communities”.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

2,894,288

2,913,497

3,089,288

3,431,943

3,216,943

127,655

Total contributions

5,592,354

7,538,036

9,407,943

15,039,867

12,964,672

3,556,729

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

8,486,642

10,451,533

12,497,231

18,471,810

16,181,615

3,684,384

Explanation of variances

The variance between the 2021-22 actual spending of $16.2 million versus the planned spending of $12.5 million is mainly due to new funding to advance the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence by helping ensure access to free legal advice and legal representation for victims of intimate partner violence and by providing additional supports for victims of intimate partner violence to navigate the family justice system, as announced in Budget 2021; and new funding to support community justice centres, as announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/harassment-harcelement.html

Start date

April 1, 2019

End date

March 31, 2024

Type of transfer payment

Contributions

Type of appropriation

Voted through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Legal Representation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
To promote harassment-free workplaces by providing complainants of workplace sexual harassment with access to legal support. This component of the Legal Aid Program works in collaboration with a component of the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program that supports public legal education and information (PLEI) outreach projects to better inform workers, particularly those most vulnerable, about their rights and how they can access help if they have been harassed in the workplace.

Objective:
To enhance public understanding, participation, confidence and trust in the justice system by informing Canadians of their rights in relation to sexual harassment in the workplace.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

Supported 11 organizations in developing their capacity to respond to the legal needs of workplace sexual harassment complainants and enhance awareness and understanding of workplace sexual harassment in male-dominated workplaces and hospitality/service industries in Canada.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

No evaluation was conducted in 2021-22. An evaluation is planned for completion in 2023-24.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

Ongoing communication with funded organizations took place throughout the fiscal year by e-mail and virtual meetings on a variety of topics such as interim activity progress reporting, interim/final payment requests and the client satisfaction survey for complainants of workplace sexual harassment.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

2,347,327

4,299,253

5,717,557

5,717,557

5,230,482

(487,075)

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

2,347,327

4,299,253

5,717,557

5,717,557

5,230,482

(487,075)

Explanation of variances

The lapse is a result of closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic where providers had to find innovative ways of reaching out to various community groups and adjust to unpredictable events.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/cj-jp/fund-fond/index.html

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 departmental result(s)

Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Victims of Crime

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
The Victims Fund is a component of the Federal Victims Strategy (FVS), which aims to give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice and federal corrections systems. The FVS, including the Victims Fund, supports the Department’s mandate to ensure that Canada is a just and law-abiding society with a fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system.

Objectives:

• To enhance victim assistance programs across Canada;
• To promote access to justice and participation in the justice system and the development of law, policies and programs;
• To promote the implementation of principles, guidelines and laws designed to address the needs of victims of crime and articulate their role in the criminal justice system;
• To contribute to increased knowledge and awareness of the impact of victimization, the needs of victims of crime, available services, assistance and programs and legislation; and
• To promote, encourage and/or enhance governmental and non-governmental organizations’ involvement in the identification of victim needs and gaps in services and in the development and delivery of programs, services and assistance to victims, including capacity-building within non-governmental organizations.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

The results achieved are:

• Improved access to justice for victims and survivors of crime by funding twelve jurisdictions to provide independent legal advice to victims of sexual assault;
• Enhanced capacity for the delivery of appropriate and responsive victim services by funding eight 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 121 Victims and Survivors of Crime Week events;
• Reduced barriers to meaningful victim/survivor participation in the criminal justice system by providing funding to provinces and territories and non-governmental organizations for testimonial aids such as CCTV/video-conferencing equipment, witness screens, and child-friendly waiting rooms;
• Raised awareness of new amendments to the Criminal Code related to the ban on conversion therapy by making funding available to six provincial organisations and five national organizations for public legal education and information projects; and
• 65 Canadians victimized abroad received financial assistance.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

No evaluation was conducted in 2021-22. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2025-26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

Throughout 2021-22, the Policy Centre for Victims Issues (PCVI) engaged more regularly with federal, provincial and territorial partners given the continued impacts of COVID-19 on the delivery of victim services and on victims of crime. Bi-weekly virtual meetings (April – July 2021) and then monthly virtual meetings (October 2021 – March 2022) were held throughout the fiscal year to discuss ongoing and emerging victim issues, with an emphasis on addressing the challenges created by COVID-19. The PCVI also hosted regular meetings with both the Family Information Liaison Unit Network and the Child Advocacy Centre Network, to share information and discuss issues related to service delivery, partnership, research and evaluation generally, and more specifically in relation to the impacts caused by COVID-19 on their work. 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;
• Support to increase access to free independent legal advice and representation for victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence;
• Support to Child Advocacy Centres; and
• Support for awareness-raising material about new amendments to the Criminal Code related to the ban on conversion therapy.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

1,782,728

3,450,000

3,450,000

3,427,024

3,427,024

(22,976)

Total contributions

26,260,872

22,091,213

21,953,000

26,140,640

24,935,929

2,982,929

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

28,043,600

25,541,213

25,403,000

29,567,664

28,362,953

2,959,953

Explanation of variances

The variance between the 2021-22 actual spending of $28.4 million versus the planned spending of $25.4 million is mainly due to new funding to advance the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence by helping ensure access to free legal advice and legal representation for victims of sexual assault, as announced in Budget 2021.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/yjsfp-pfsjj.html

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

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

The criminal justice system supports alternative ways of responding to the causes and consequences of offending.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Youth Justice

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
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.

Objectives:

• To support and promote an appropriate range of programs and services that encourage accountability measures for unlawful behaviour that are proportionate and timely;
• To encourage the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of young persons into their communities;
• To target the formal court process for the most serious offences; and
• To target detention and custody for the most serious offences.

There are no repayable contributions.

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 (2019-20), 88% of youth court cases received a non-custodial (community-based) sentence9. This is 3% above 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 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

No evaluation was conducted in 2021-22. The next evaluation of the Youth Justice Initiative, in which the YJSFP is a component, is planned for completion in 2025-26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

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. In 2021-22, four Working Group meetings were held via videoconference. These meetings were primarily focused on the renewal of the YJSFP Agreement for the period of 2021-22 to 2026-27.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

141,692,415

141,692,415

141,692,415

184,972,994

184,972,994

43,280,579

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

141,692,415

141,692,415

141,692,415

184,972,994

184,972,994

43,280,579

Explanation of variances

The variance between the 2021-22 actual spending of $185.0 million versus the planned spending of $141.7 million is due to additional funding to increase contributions to the provinces and territories in support of diversion programming and to help reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples, Black Canadians, and other racialized groups in the youth justice system, as announced in Budget 2021.

Hyperlink

https://www.venice.coe.int/

Start date

April 1, 2019

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Assessed Contributions

Type of appropriation

Voted through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

Justice Canada laws and policies abide by the rule of law and promote respect for rights and a fair, accessible and relevant framework in Canada.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Justice System Partnerships

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
To enable Canada to meet its financial obligations and fulfil its international policy objectives related to democracy and the rule of law by participating in the work of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission).

Objective:
To support the Venice Commission’s mandate of assisting and advising individual countries in constitutional matters in order to improve the functioning of democratic institutions and the protection of human rights.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

Membership was maintained, giving Canada a venue to promote Canadian legal interests internationally.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

No evaluation was conducted in 2021-22.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

The Department of Justice Canada deals directly with the European Commission for Democracy through Law, which is the intended recipient for this assessed contribution.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

71,761

82,481

85,000

118,925

118,925

33,925

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

71,761

82,481

85,000

118,925

118,925

33,925

Explanation of variances

The variance is due to the timing in the issuance of the payment for the 2022 contribution in order to harmonize the payment schedule for all three assessed contributions. 

Hyperlink

https://www.hcch.net/

Start date

June 1, 2007

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Assessed Contributions

Type of appropriation

Voted through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

Justice Canada laws and policies abide by the rule of law and promote respect for rights and a fair, accessible and relevant framework in Canada.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Justice System Partnerships

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
To enable Canada to meet its financial obligations and fulfill its international policy objectives related to private law by participating in the work of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.

Objective:
To support the work of the Hague Conference on Private International Law in the progressive unification of the rules of private international law, including creating and assisting in the implementation of multilateral conventions that promote the harmonisation of the rules and principles of private international law (or conflict of laws).

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

Membership was maintained, giving Canada a venue to promote Canadian legal interests internationally.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

No evaluation was conducted in 2021-22.  The last evaluation was completed in 2016-17 (as part of the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program Evaluation).

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

The Department of Justice Canada deals directly with the Hague Conference on Private International Law, which is the intended recipient for this assessed contribution.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

310,491

310,581

315,000

315,376

315,376

376

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

310,491

310,581

315,000

315,376

315,376

376

Explanation of variances

Not applicable

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/supporting-soutien.html

Start date

April 1, 2021

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contribution

Type of appropriation

Voted through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Legal Representation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
To support the implementation of Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) in all provinces and territories, to help eliminate systemic barriers in the criminal justice system for Black and other racialized individuals by helping courts consider the impact of race and cultural heritage on a racialized offender’s life trajectory during sentencing in criminal matters.

Objective:
To promote fair legal proceedings for eligible persons and to promote public confidence in the justice system through federal contribution funding.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

In 2021-22, funding was provided to prepare Impact of Race and Culture Assessments in two jurisdictions:  Ontario (Legal Aid Ontario, LAO) and Nova Scotia (Province of Nova Scotia). Funding was also provided to three national organizations (National Judicial Institute, Peoples’ Counselling Clinic, Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française de common law inc. (FAJEF)) and one provincial organization (Sentencing and Parole Project) to develop training and continuing professional development for lawyers, judges and other justice system actors.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

No evaluation was conducted in 2021-22.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

In 2021-22, four meetings with the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid were held to discuss the implementation of IRCAs in the provinces and territories. Meetings were also held with four non-governmental organizations regarding the development of a national training and professional development curriculum for IRCA assessors, lawyers, judges and other legal professionals.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

0

0

0

788,010

788,010

788,010

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

0

0

0

788,010

788,010

788,010

Explanation of variances

The variance between the 2021-22 actual spending of $0.8 million versus the planned spending of $0 is due to the creation of this program in 2021-22, as announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/integ.html

Start date

April 1, 2004

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contributions

Type of appropriation

Voted through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2008-09

Link to departmental result(s)

Justice Canada laws and policies abide by the rule of law and promote respect for rights and a fair, accessible and relevant framework in Canada.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Legal Representation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
To effectively enforce the law against serious criminal capital market fraud offences in Canada, and ultimately to contribute to improved Canadian and international investor confidence in the integrity of Canada’s capital markets.

Objective:
To assist provincial Attorneys General to carry out capital market crime prosecutions by defraying extraordinary costs arising from IMET investigations.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

While no IMET applications were received in 2021-22, the program supported effective law enforcement for serious criminal capital market fraud offences in Canada by virtue of making funds available to provincial Attorneys General to try capital market criminal cases involving extraordinary expenses.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

No evaluation was conducted in 2021-22. The last evaluation was completed in 2016-17.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

With the assistance of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, provincial prosecutors are made aware of the availability of the Reserve Fund when relevant cases arise. Program coordination is done through the IMET Working Group.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

0

0

550,000

550,000

0

(550,000)

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

0

0

550,000

550,000

0

(550,000)

Explanation of variances

No funding applications were submitted in 2021-22 for the IMET Reserve Fund. As a demand driven program, funding is expended only when qualifying white-collar crime prosecutions are undertaken by provinces. The Department does not have control if or when such prosecutions are undertaken.

Hyperlink

https://www.unidroit.org/

Start date

June 1, 2007

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Assessed Contributions

Type of appropriation

Voted through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2021-22

Link to departmental result(s)

Justice Canada laws and policies abide by the rule of law and promote respect for rights and a fair, accessible and relevant framework in Canada.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Justice System Partnership

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
To enable Canada to meet its financial obligations and fulfil its international policy objectives related to private law by participating in the work of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (Unidroit).

Objective:
To support Unidroit’s mandate to study the needs and methods for modernizing, harmonizing and coordinating private, and in particular commercial, law as between States and groups of States and to formulate uniform law instruments, principles and rules to achieve those objectives.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

Membership was maintained, giving Canada a venue to promote Canadian legal interests internationally.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

No evaluation was conducted in 2021-22. The last evaluation was completed in 2016-17 as part of the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program Evaluation.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

The Department of Justice Canada deals directly with the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (Unidroit), the intended recipient for this assessed contribution.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

170,000

135,132

190,000

156,075

131,469

(58,531)

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

170,000

135,132

190,000

156,075

131,469

(58,531)

Explanation of variances

The variance is due to exchange rate differences between Euro and Canadian dollars.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/jsp-sjp/sa-es.html

Start date

February 14, 2008

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contributions

Type of appropriation

Voted through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2012-13

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Legal Representation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
To support the Minister of Justice responsibilities in Division 9 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and to contribute to a fair process through the use of special advocates.

Objective:
The use of special advocates is intended to strike a balance between the protection of rights and the need to prevent the disclosure of classified information. Special advocates are top-secret, security-cleared, private lawyers who are independent of government and who protect the interests of a permanent resident or foreign national who is subject to a security certificate or other proceedings under the IRPA.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

No legal training was given to special advocates in 2021-22 due to lack of availability and demand from the special advocates. While no new applications for special advocates were received by the Special Advocates Program in 2021-22, the program supported the responsibilities of the Minister of Justice under Division 9 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) by virtue of its availability to respond to such orders.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

No evaluation was completed for this program in 2021-22. The next evaluation is planned for 2024-25 (evaluated under Division 9 of the IRPA, led by Public Safety Canada).

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

Not applicable. Special advocates are appointed from a set list when security certificates are issued.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

22,400

18,523

250,000

250,000

35,259

(214,741)

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

22,400

18,523

250,000

250,000

35,259

(214,741)

Explanation of variances

The Special Advocates Program is a demand driven program. Funding is expended only when special advocates are ordered by the Federal Court. The Department does not have control if or when such an order will be made.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/aid-aide.html

Start date

April 1, 2003

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Contributions

Type of appropriation

Voted through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2016-17

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Legal Representation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
Provide funding to the provinces and territories, or their legal aid delivery entities, to offer funded counsel for cases concerning national security and federal proceedings involving the Attorney General of Canada.

Objectives:

• To ensure that counsel is provided to economically disadvantaged accused/named individuals in proceedings brought by the federal Crown;
• To ensure the right to a fair hearing to accused/named individuals in cases involving national security and other federal proceedings; and
• To ensure that cases are not stayed due to lack of counsel.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

Throughout 2021-22, recipients maintained their capacity to provide funded counsel to eligible persons in cases involving national security, and in cases involving court orders in federal prosecutions. In 2021-22, there were zero stays (proceedings stopped or suspended by court ruling) due to the lack of funded counsel.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

The State-Funded Counsel Program was evaluated as part of the Legal Aid Program evaluation completed in 2021-22. The State-Funded Counsel Program was viewed by the evaluation as working efficiently and effectively. Key informants commended the Legal Aid Directorate for its responsiveness to queries and the support provided to those involved at the provincial and territorial level in managing the Program, as well as counsel who are funded directly by the Program.

The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2026-27 (as part of the Legal Aid Program Evaluation).

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

In 2021-22, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid (PWG) and its subcommittees held 13 virtual meetings. The PWG supports the FPT Deputy Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety on matters relating to legal aid, such as policy development and funding.

2019–20 Actual spending

2020–21 Actual spending

2021–22 Planned spending

2021–22 Total authorities available for use

2021–22 Actual spending (authorities used)

Variance (2021–22 actual minus 2021–22 planned)

Total grants

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total contributions

907,107

904,269

3,600,276

1,562,647

616,027

(2,984,249)

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

907,107

904,269

3,600,276

1,562,647

616,027

(2,984,249)

Explanation of variances

The variance between the 2021-22 actual spending of $0.6 million versus the planned spending of $3.6 million is due to demand that fluctuates in response to court orders and national security proceedings as well as the impact of COVID-19 on Canada’s courts.

Total authorities available for use were reduced by $2.0 million in 2021-22 and transferred internally to other programs to address funding priorities.

Hyperlink

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/f_13.html

Start date

April 1, 1999

End date

Ongoing

Type of transfer payment

Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation

Voted through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions

2009-10

Link to departmental result(s)

Canadians in contact with the justice system have access to appropriate services enabling a fair, timely and accessible justice system.

Link to department’s Program Inventory

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program: Youth Justice

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program

Purpose:
To encourage a fair and more effective youth justice system, respond to emerging issues and enable greater citizen/community participation in the youth justice system.

Objectives:

• Establish special measures for violent offenders;
• Improve the system’s ability to rehabilitate and reintegrate young offenders;
• Increase the use of measures outside the formal court process, that are often more effective in addressing some types of less serious offending;
• Establish a more targeted approach to the use of custody for young people; and
• Increase the use of community-based sentences for less serious offences.
• There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved

There were 27 active multi-year projects during fiscal year 2021-22 that contributed to provide new and/or enhanced diversion, rehabilitation and reintegration programs to youth involved in the justice system.

Programming activities that were being supported through these projects include culturally relevant, trauma-informed and gender-based intervention programs for Indigenous youth, restorative justice programming and one-on-one support to youth who are diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Findings of audits completed in 2021-22

No audits were completed for this program in 2021-22.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2021-22

No evaluation was conducted in 2021-22.

The next evaluation of the Youth Justice Initiative, in which the YJF is a component, is planned for completion in 2025-26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2021-22

Youth Justice Fund (YJF) recipients are engaged on an ongoing basis. When appropriate, YJF projects may inform discussions 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 issues concerning youth justice programming nationally. 

Total grants

73,000

79,460

79,655

76,850

40,800

(38,855)

Total contributions

3,185,217

3,534,126

4,425,345

4,528,150

4,528,150

102,805

Total other types of transfer payments

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total program

3,258,217

3,613,586

4,505,000

4,605,000

4,568,950

63,950

Explanation of variances

Not applicable