Details on Transfer Payment Programs

Table of Contents

• TPPs with total actual spending of $5 million or more
  • Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund
  • Access to Justice Services in the Territories (being Legal Aid, Indigenous Courtwork and Public Legal Education and Information Services)
  • Canadian Family Justice Fund (CFJF)
  • Criminal Legal Aid
  • Drug Treatment Court Funding Program
  • Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid
  • Implementation of Official Languages Requirements under the Contraventions Act
  • Indigenous Courtwork Program
  • Indigenous Justice Program
  • Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program
  • Justice Partnership and Innovation Program (JPIP)
  • Legal Advice for Complainants of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
  • Victims Fund
  • Youth Justice Services Funding Program
• TPPs with total actual spending of less than $5 million
  • European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission)
  • Hague Conference on Private International Law
  • Impact of Race and Culture Assessments
  • Integrated Market Enforcement Teams (IMET) Reserve Fund
  • International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (Unidroit)
  • Special Advocates Program
  • State-Funded Counsel Program
  • Youth Justice Fund

TPPs with total actual spending of $5 million or more

Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund

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 the 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 $13.4 million in funding was made available to 65 projects through the Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund in 2022-23, a majority of which is part of the Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2018 – 2023: Investing in our Future (Action Plan). These include:

• 25 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;
• 21 projects funded to increase the capacity of the justice system and its stakeholders to offer justice services in both official languages; and
• Nine provinces received funding to support their implementation of the official languages provision of the Divorce Act.

This funding was provided to 22 organizations/associations, five academic institutions, and nine provincial governments and one territorial government. The funding was used 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 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluation were completed for this program in 2022-23. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2026-27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: The Department undertook consultations with official language-minority community stakeholders in 2022-23. Specifically, the annual meeting of the Advisory Committee on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages was held in June 2022. Consultations with provincial and territorial partners were held through the semi-annual meetings of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages in May 2022 and March 2023. The Department also conducted a series of consultations on access to justice in both official languages in April 2022, ahead of the 2023-2028 Action Plan. In addition to these formal mechanisms, the Department engaged with stakeholders, as needed, on a regular and informal basis.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance is related to lower uptake by recipients of funding for former Bill C-78 (Divorce Act) and COVID-19’s impact on in-person activities, such as language training. Some projects replaced in-person activities by less expensive online activities due to COVID-19, which led to a reduction in actual spending compared to planned spending.

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

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: 2022-23

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 the department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Justice System Support, Programs: Legal Representation; Indigenous Justice; and Justice System Partnerships

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 (2022-23 data is not yet available), 1,002 criminal legal aid applications were approved in Nunavut and Northwest Territories in 2020-21, as well as 762 applications for civil legal aid^{Footnote 1}. Duty counsel assistance was provided in criminal matters in the territories 6,457 times. Results achieved for Indigenous courtwork services in the territories are presented under the Indigenous Courtwork Program section, in combination with those of the participating provinces.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: Access to Justice Services Agreements in the Territories are examined as part of the Legal Aid Program, the Indigenous Courtwork (ICW) Program and the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program (JPIP) evaluations. The evaluation of the ICW Program, completed in 2022-23 concluded that it continues to be relevant, and there is a continued need for the Program given the commitment to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the justice system. Findings of the evaluation indicate that as a result of their interaction with courtworkers, Indigenous peoples are more aware of their rights, obligations, and available resources, and better understand the judicial process. Demand for courtworker services has grown since the last evaluation, because the number of services provided per client has increased, while the number of ICW clients has remained stable. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in additional demands on courtworkers due to a reduction in client access to services, an increase in the complexity and severity of client needs, and an expanded role to meet the needs of communities dealing with the pandemic. A cost savings analysis developed for the evaluation, estimated that courtworker activities amount to approximately $73 million per year in cost savings to the justice system.

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

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: In 2022-23, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid (PWG) and its subcommittees held six 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. Ongoing consultations with the PWG also contribute to efforts aimed at improving data collection to better measure and report on results, including Gender-Based Analysis Plus impacts and outcomes.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance is due to increased demand for family courtwork services in the territories through the Indigenous courtwork component. Additional funding was allocated from the Indigenous Courtwork Program.

Canadian Family Justice Fund (CFJF)

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 the 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: The Department provided $15 million to provinces and territories under the activities component in support of the delivery of family justice programs and services for families undergoing separation and divorce. Funding continued to support provincial and territorial efforts to expand the availability of government-funded supervision services relating to the exercise of parenting time between a child and parent in cases of separation and divorce, particularly in cases where there may be concerns about the safety of a child or another family member due to family violence. In 2022-23, six projects were supported, specifically in Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

In addition to the projects noted above, under the projects component of the fund, eight projects received funding for a total of $906,911. Activities supported included:

• Funding to six organizations for projects focused on underserved populations;
• A project with Saskatchewan to create a new pilot service for the calculation of a child support aiming to reduce cost and stress to assist parents by determining the amount of child support administratively; and
• A project to serve the needs of diverse and underserved families experiencing separation and divorce with the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law, to create a national family Self-Represented Litigants (SRLs) online curriculum that will include information related to the recent changes in the Divorce Act.

Funding was also provided to four provinces and territories under the CFJF, to begin work on implementing the official language provision of the Divorce Act.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: An evaluation of the CFJF was completed in 2022-23 and found there is a continued need to support the delivery of family justice services through the CFJF due to high and increasing prevalence of family violence, high-conflict families, self-represented litigants, and the need for expanded services for dispute resolution, child support, maintenance enforcement, and supervised access. Access to family justice services for diverse and underserved groups, such as Indigenous peoples, rural communities, newcomers, and individuals with disabilities, remain a challenge. The CFJF contributed to its intended outcomes through improved provincial/territorial capacity to provide and deliver family justice services; increased awareness, knowledge and understanding of family and children’s law issues among targeted audiences; and, increased access to family justice for Canadians through meditation and recalculation services, including public legal education and information public legal education and information public legal education and information resources and courses. In addition, the CFJF improved family justice services through innovative projects and activities for diverse and underserved populations such as the online parenting after separation course for Indigenous families. Overall, the CFJF was managed efficiently due to established working relationships; however, some concerns were identified regarding communication, limited program budgets, and issues related to availability and consistency of performance data were identified.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: Ongoing engagement occurred with provincial and territorial partners through the existing Federal-Provincial-Territorial forums under the Coordinating Committee of Senior Officials - Family Justice to discuss issues related to family law policy development, legislation, and the Canadian Family Justice Fund. In addition, the Department continued to share program information with applicants and recipients through the Department of Justice Canada website and telecommunications. Information gathered from these consultations were used to adjust fund priorities and improve mechanisms to measure results.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance is due to lower uptake by provinces and territories of funding to support supervision services for parenting time in cases of separation and divorce (funding to advance the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence announced in Budget 2021). In addition, there was lower uptake by recipients for former Bill C-78 (Divorce Act) funding and provinces not accessing their maximum funding available Part of the unused funds have been reallocated internally to support pressures under other programs.

Criminal Legal Aid

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: 2022-23

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 the 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: Through their provincial legal aid plans, provinces were able to provide legal aid services in criminal matters to eligible adults and youth. Based on the most recent program data available from 2021-22, the provinces approved 211,160 full legal representation applications for criminal legal aid^{Footnote 2}. Criminal duty counsel services were provided 834,346 times^{Footnote 3} in 2021-22 to provincial legal aid clients.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2026-27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23:

In 2022-23, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid (PWG) and its subcommittees held six 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. Ongoing consultations with the PWG contributed to improving data collection for better measure and report on results, including Gender-Based Analysis Plus impacts and outcomes.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

Drug Treatment Court Funding Program

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 the 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 crimes committed as a result of drug dependency through court-monitored treatment and community service support for non-violent offenders with problematic substance use.

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 2022-2023, the DTCFP provided funding for the operation of 21 drug treatment courts, located in eight provinces and two territories, increasing the availability of treatment programs as an alternative to incarceration from 13 in 2020-2021 and 20 in 2021-2022. Based on partial information available at the time of publication, over 114 new participants were admitted into the program in 2022-2023, resulting in more than 222 active participants throughout the fiscal year. Based on the availability of information in the Drug Treatment Court Information System, 69.7 % of participants were retained for more than six months in federally funded Drug Treatment Court programs during 2022-23, decreasing the likelihood of them reoffending as longer time in the program resulting in less recidivism.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: A supplementary recidivism study to the 2021-22 DTCFP evaluation was completed in 2022-2023. The recidivism study^{Footnote 4} confirmed that DTCs are an effective approach in helping offenders address their cycle of substance use and criminal behaviour, and as a means of reducing criminal recidivism.

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

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: The program consulted with recipients through the DTCFP’s Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group. This Working Group contributes to the design, delivery, and evaluation of the DTCFP by identifying emerging issues and solutions for issues affecting DTC effectiveness, and sharing lessons learned and best practices in order to improve DTCs across Canada. The DTCFP held four meetings of its FPT Working Group in 2022-2023. The Program also held a training activity with the members of the Working Group on DTCs and systemic barriers faced by Indigenous people to accessing it. Finally, numerous exchanges with individual jurisdictions occurred to negotiate the new 2023-28 funding agreements and to get their feedback on the replacement of the federal database.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance is due to additional spending to support new and expand existing court-supervised addictions treatment programs provided by drug treatment courts across Canada. The Department received additional funding during the year, as announced in Budget 2021.

Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid

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: 2022-23

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 the 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: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador provided immigration and refugee legal aid through their immigration and refugee legal aid service providers. They were able to maintain the delivery of legal aid services for eligible persons in immigration and refugee matters throughout 2022-23. Based on the most recent program data available, 27,791 legal aid certificates^{Footnote 5} were provided for immigration and refugee legal aid in the seven provinces that received federal funding in 2021-22.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2026-27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: The Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid (PWG) met virtually six times in 2022-23 when immigration and refugee legal aid was on the agenda. 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, and included discussions aimed at improving data collection to better measure and report on results, such as Gender-based Analysis Plus impacts and outcomes.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance in spending is mainly covered by the additional funding of $43.5 million received during the year to maintain federal support for immigration and refugee legal aid services, as announced in Budget 2022. Since the demand for these services was higher than expected, the Department reallocated an additional $6.8 million in funds internally from other programs, namely from the Canadian Family Justice Fund, State-Funded Counsel Program, and Integrated Market Enforcement Teams Reserve Fund.

Implementation of Official Languages Requirements under the Contraventions Act

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 the 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 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 (British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) and one municipality (Mississauga) 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.

Performance Measure:

• Number of complaints with respect to a lack of judicial and extra-judicial services in the official language of choice in Mississauga, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia and the number of complaints was zero.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23:

No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23:

No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2025-26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: 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. This was achieved through the sharing of information and discussions and through the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages meeting held in March 2023.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance 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. Some of the unused funds were reallocated internally to other programs to address funding pressures.

Indigenous Courtwork 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 the 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 Courtwork (ICW) Program clients received timely and accurate information on court procedures, rights and responsibilities, legal resources, and diversion and, as well as, relating to access to community justice options including restorative justice programs and community services.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: An evaluation of the ICW Program was completed in 2022-23. The evaluation concluded that it continues to be relevant, and there is a continued need for the Program given the commitment to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the justice system. Results of the evaluation indicate that as a result of their interaction with courtworkers, Indigenous peoples are more aware of their rights, obligations, and available resources, and better understand the judicial process. Demand for courtworker services has grown since the last evaluation, as the number of services provided per client has increased, while the number of clients has remained stable. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in additional demands on courtworkers due to reduction in client access to services, an increase in the complexity and severity of client needs, and an expanded role to meet the needs of communities dealing with the pandemic. Finally, a cost savings analysis developed for the evaluation estimated that courtworker activities amount to approximately $73 million per year in cost savings to the justice system.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: The Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group and the Tripartite Working Group on the ICW Program met three times each virtually in 2022-23. In addition, the program manager met in person with ICW service delivery managers over two days in November 2022. Further, the program manager held bi-monthly calls with ICW directors and maintained regular contact with provincial and territorial counterparts. The ICW/IJP Collaborative Working group brings together Indigenous services providers from the Indigenous Courtwork Program and the Indigenous Justice Program as well as federal, provincial and territorial funders to improve collaboration between programs and share best practices. For example, work is ongoing to create a toolkit for developing and formalizing partnerships between ICW and IJP programs and other community agencies. The ICW Program also supports training and engagement sessions that bring together courtworkers, Indigenous communities and other justice system stakeholders. Dialogues with front line workers and recipients help to inform policy and program decisions related to the design and delivery of the ICW Program.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

Indigenous Justice Program

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 the 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 2022-23, the Indigenous Justice Program (IJP) supported 211 Indigenous community-based justice programs that serve roughly 9,000 clients per year in approximately 650 urban, rural, and northern communities, both on and off reserve^{Footnote 6}. 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 2022-23, IJP programs delivered activities at various points of the justice continuum, including prevention, diversion and reintegration. Programs delivered civil and family mediation services to community members in conflict. Programs also delivered post-sentence Gladue aftercare by assisting individuals who have had a Gladue report meet the conditions of their sentence and implementing their report recommendations. IJP programs have reduced rates of recidivism, produced meaningful cost-savings for the criminal justice system and provided transformational change in lives of participants; approximately 90% of IJP participants complete their program.^{Footnote 7}

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: A supplementary study (recidivism study and costing analysis)^{Footnote 8} to the 2021-22 IJP evaluation was completed in 2022-23. The study found that program participants were 50% less likely to be reconvicted after 5 years, resulting in an immediate and future cost savings estimate of $2, 231 per participant and a total of $19.9 million compared to the mainstream criminal justice system. As a result, the IJP has demonstrated both cost savings and cost effectiveness.

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

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23

The IJP regularly engages with recipients through day-to-day operations, including site visits and telecommunications. In 2022-2023, IJP supported seven virtual regional gatherings, bringing together funded programs, justice stakeholders and federal, provincial and territorial partners. The gatherings were aimed at strengthening relationships with recipients, gathering information to support Government priorities and further knowledge exchange and training for funded recipients. IJP continued to collaborate with recipients and provincial and territorial funders to help guide the implementation of Gladue aftercare and civil and family mediation services. Justice officials met virtually with the federal, provincial and territorial working group three times during the fiscal year.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance is mainly due to lower uptake by provinces and territories of funding to support the implementation of Gladue Principles in the mainstream justice system. Most of the unused funds were reallocated internally to other programs to address funding pressures.

Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program

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 the 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 IRCS program, provinces and territories youth justice programs and services that target young persons in conflict with the law. During 2022-23, 20 new IRCS orders were issued by the courts and became eligible for federal funding for a total of 86 active IRCS cases in the fiscal year. In addition, eight new exceptional cases were approved for funding for a total of 26 active exceptional cases in the fiscal year. In 2022-23, 100% of identified, eligible IRCS Program cases (IRCS orders and exceptional cases) received specialized treatment.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. 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 2022-23: Recipients were 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 issues concerning youth justice programming. These meetings contributed to the design, delivery and evaluation of the IRCS by identifying emerging issues and sharing best practices in order to improve youth justice services across Canada. In 2022-23, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Youth Justice Cost Sharing and Programs held five virtual meetings.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance is due to greater demand for Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program funding. The additional funding was reallocated from the State-Funded Counsel Program.

Justice Partnership and Innovation Program (JPIP)

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 the 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:

• Twenty-nine new projects were funded to provide legal services and supports to racialized communities across Canada. Projects supported diverse racialized and Indigenous communities, with access to culturally appropriate legal education and information, and free legal advice and supports.
• 18 projects were funded to provide Independent Legal and Advice/Representation for victims of intimate partner violence (IPV).
• Twenty new projects were funded to provide additional support for victims of IPV involved in the family justice system. In total, 25 projects have been funded to support victims of IPV to navigate and access the family justice system and improve how the family justice system responds to IPV.
• Three organizations were supported to facilitate the participation of communities and survivors in gatherings held in Manitoba, British Columbia and Ontario. These gatherings provided input into the recommendations being developed by the Independent Special Interlocutor for the investigation and protection of unmarked burials and the identification of the missing children of former Indian residential schools.
• A new Community Justice Centre (CJC) pilot project was approved in Ontario, supporting the expansion of Ontario’s Justice Centres, a court-based approach that seeks to address the intersection of poverty, homelessness, addictions and systemic racism within the criminal justice system. With the addition of this project, CJC pilots are being supported in both Ontario and British Columbia to test innovative approaches for moving justice out of the traditional courtroom and into a community setting to address the root cause of crime, break the cycle of offending and improve community well-being. Seven jurisdictions (provinces and territories) were approved for funding to undertake community engagement on CJC approaches to assess the feasibility of expanding the model to other communities.
• Ten provincially designated public legal education and information (PLEI) organizations continue to be supported to enhance their capacity to build knowledge, awareness and understanding of justice issues.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. An evaluation of the JPIP will be completed in 2023-24.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: Recipient meetings were held for multiple funding initiatives including the Independent Legal Advice/Representation for victims of IPV, Legal Services and Supports for Racialized Communities, and with provincially designated PLEI organizations. These meetings provided an opportunity for funding recipients such as community organizations, Indigenous organizations, and provinces and territories to share project updates, discuss challenges or successes within their projects, and network with others working on similar issues. As part of the Community Justice Centres (CJCs) initiative, six meetings were held with the ad hoc committee on CJCs whose membership includes representation from provincial and territorial governments and Indigenous organizations. The committee provided a forum for those working on CJCs to share knowledge, challenges and successes. It also provided an opportunity to obtain feedback on an ongoing basis on the development and implementation of CJC pilots and community engagement sessions.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance is not significant.

Legal Advice for Complainants of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

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: 2022-23

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 the 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 the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program 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 increase 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: Fifteen organizations were supported 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.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. An evaluation of the Legal Advice for Complainants of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace will be completed in 2023-24.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: 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. Throughout the duration of this initiative a client satisfaction survey was distributed to clients receiving free legal advice. The survey was developed to collect data that is complementary to the recipients’ interim and final reports.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

A reduced demand for services, as well as program challenges (e.g., difficulty in staffing positions, reduced uptake for outreach programs, lingering effects of the pandemic, reduced travel costs from in-person outreach to virtual) have contributed to reduced 2022-23 actual spending.

Victims Fund

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 the 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:

• In addition to the multi-year agreements in place with 34 Child Advocacy Centres (CACs), grant funding was provided to 20 CACs to meet the growing needs of child and youth victims;
• Nine workshops were hosted as a part of National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, an annual week-long outreach initiative led by Justice Canada, with the goal of raising awareness about issues facing victims and survivors of crime and the services, assistance, and laws in place to help them and their families.
• Seven webinar training opportunities were provided on a variety of topics such as intimate partner violence and traumatic brain injuries, online child sexual exploitation, collaborative responses to addressing domestic violence, and senior abuse. Attendees of the webinars included criminal justice and victim serving professionals, academics, victims of crime, and policy makers.
• In total, nine non-governmental organisations and legal clinics, in addition to all 13 jurisdictions, have accessed funding to provide Independent Legal Advice and Representation (ILA/ILR) for victims and survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence;
• Forty-eight registered victims received financial assistance to attend Parole Board of Canada hearings; and
• One hundred and three Canadians victimized abroad received financial assistance.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2025-26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: The Department engaged with 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 engaged with applicants and recipients through ongoing open processes to support a variety of communities of victims such as: the annual Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, measures to support victims of sexual offences and human trafficking, and Child Advocacy Centres. Regular outreach and communications activities of the PCVI include: regular meetings held with governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGO) partners, updates to its website and newsletters, subject-specific knowledge exchanges, WebEx, webinars and symposia, development of public legal education and information (PLEI) fact sheets, and continued engagement of stakeholders in ongoing issues of mutual interest.

The 2020-21 evaluation of the Federal Victims Strategy resulted with a recommendation to improve Victims Fund reporting templates and tools to allow for more consistent and strategic data collection of funded projects. Departmental officials developed a new reporting template, as well as a client survey, and they have been distributed to funding recipients for use in annual reporting. The first completed reports will be submitted in summer 2023.

A Call for proposals (CFP) to support Child Advocacy Centres (CAC) was launched in early fall 2022 and included engagement with CAC network organisations to ensure understanding of all the available streams outlined in the CFP (e.g., Feasibility studies, piloting, operations, implementation, training, network support, etc.). Approved projects from this CFP began implementation in early 2023-24. A CFP to support victims and survivors of human trafficking was launched in late fall 2022 and included engagement with a number of victims serving organisations and law enforcement agencies to clarify any questions about the CFP or discuss their potential project proposals. Approved projects from this CFP began implementation in early 2023-24.

Preliminary discussions were held with all jurisdictions on the implications of sustainable funding beyond 2022-23 and possible future work, following the Budget 2023 announcement of the renewal and expansion of funding to support missing and murdered Indigenous people through the Family Information and Liaison Units and Community Support and Healing for Families.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance is due to lower uptake by provinces and territories of funding to help ensure access to free legal advice and legal representation for victims of sexual assault (funding to advance the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence announced in Budget 2021).

Youth Justice Services Funding Program

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 the 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;
• Culturally safe programming;
• Intensive support and supervision and attendance programs; and
• Conferencing and other community-based sanctions.

According to recently published data by Statistics Canada (2020-21), 90% of youth court cases received a non-custodial (community-based) sentence^{Footnote 9}. This is 5% 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 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. 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 2022-23:

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 issues concerning youth justice programming. These meetings contribute to the design, delivery and evaluation of the YJSFP by identifying emerging issues and sharing best practices in order to improve youth justice services across Canada. In 2022-23, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Youth Justice Cost Sharing and Programs held five virtual meetings.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

TPPs with total actual spending of less than $5 million

European Commission for Democracy through Law (Venice Commission)

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 the 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 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: The Department of Justice Canada deals directly with the European Commission for Democracy through Law, the intended recipient for this assessed contribution.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

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

Hague Conference on Private International Law

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 the 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 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23:No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. The last evaluation was completed in 2016-17 (as part of the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program Evaluation).

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: The Department of Justice Canada deals directly with the Hague Conference on Private International Law, the intended recipient for this assessed contribution.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

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

Impact of Race and Culture Assessments

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: Contributions

Type of appropriation: Voted through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022-23

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 the 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 2022-23, funding was provided to prepare Impact of Race and Culture Assessments in six jurisdictions: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia and, Newfoundland and Labrador. Funding was also provided to three national organizations, and one provincial organization to develop training and continuing professional development for lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. This program is planned to be evaluated in 2026-27 as part of the Legal Aid Program Evaluation.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: Ongoing meetings with funding recipients were held throughout 2022-23 to monitor funding and reporting activities. Consultations also contribute to efforts aimed at improving data collection to better measure and report on results, including Gender-Based Analysis Plus impacts and outcomes.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance is the result of the increased demand and the planned expansion of the program during the 2022-23 fiscal year.

Integrated Market Enforcement Teams (IMET) Reserve Fund

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 the 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 2022-23, 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 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. The last evaluation was completed in 2016-17.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: With the assistance of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, provincial prosecutors were contacted on a regular basis to ensure that they were aware of the availability of the IMET Reserve Fund.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

No funding applications were submitted in 2022-23 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. The unused funds were reallocated internally to address funding pressures under the Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid Program.

International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (Unidroit)

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 the 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 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. The last evaluation was completed in 2016-17 (as part of the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program Evaluation).

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: 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.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

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

Special Advocates Program

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 the 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 2022-23 due to lack of availability and demand from the special advocates. There were two new applications for special advocates in 2022-23. The program continued to support 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 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. The next evaluation is planned for 2024-25 (evaluated under Division 9 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, led by Public Safety Canada)

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: Not applicable. Special advocates are appointed from a set list when security certificates are issued.

Financial information (dollars)

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.

State-Funded Counsel Program

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 the 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 2022-23, recipients maintained their capacity to provide state-funded counsel to eligible persons in cases involving national security, and in cases involving court orders in federal prosecutions. In 2022-23, there were no stays (proceedings stopped or suspended by court ruling) due to the lack of funded counsel.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2026-27 (as part of the Legal Aid Program).

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2022-23: In 2022-23, the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid (PWG) and its subcommittees held six virtual meetings. The PWG supported the FPT Deputy Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety on matters relating to legal aid, such as policy development and funding. Ongoing consultations with the PWG also contributed to efforts aimed at improving data collection to better measure and report on results, including Gender Based Analysis Plus impacts and outcomes.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance is due to demand that fluctuates in response to court orders and national security proceedings. Most of the unused funds were reallocated internally to other programs to address funding pressures (e.g., Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid Program and Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program).

Youth Justice Fund

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 the 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: The Fund supported the development, implementation, and evaluation of pilot projects that provide programming and services for youth in conflict with the law. It supported professional development activities, such as training and conferences, for justice professionals and youth service providers. Additionally, it funded research on the youth justice system and related youth justice issues

New and enhanced diversion, rehabilitative and reintegration programs were available to youth involved in the criminal justice system because of the 27 active multi-year pilot projects supported through the Youth Justice Fund in 2022-23, and thus contributed to a more responsive youth justice system.

Findings of audits completed in 2022-23: No audits were completed for this program in 2022-23

Findings of evaluations completed in 2022-23: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2022-23. 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 2022-23:

Youth Justice Fund’s recipients are engaged on an ongoing basis. For example, the provinces of New Brunswick and Ontario presented their projects, funded under the Youth Justice Fund, to 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. In addition, the Fund launched a call for proposal in late summer 2022, for projects beginning in fiscal 2023-2024. Fifteen projects were selected to receive funding in fiscal 2023-2024. The selection and implementation process involved engagement activities with applicants and recipients.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.