Details on Transfer Payment Programs

• Details on transfer payment programs
  • 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
    • 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
    • Indigenous Partnership Fund
    • Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program
    • Justice Partnership and Innovation Program
    • 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 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: 2023–24

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: Through the Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund, approximately $13.5 million in funding was provided to 80 projects in 2023–24 as part of the Government of Canada’s Action Plan for Official Languages 2023 – 2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration. These projects support Canada's Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC) and support the bilingual capacity of the justice system.

In total, funding was provided to almost 50 different entities, including not-for-profit organizations, provinces and territories and colleges and universities.

Support for OLMCs: Through the Support Fund, 14 community organizations benefited from core funding and 34 projects received funding for legal information projects and services directed to members of official language minority communities. As an example of funded programs, Franco-Justice, a not-for-profit organization operating in Winnipeg, offered 27 legal information workshops in French through its Legal Integration for Manitoba's Diverse Francophonie project. Approximately 120 local French-speaking Black, Indigenous and People of Colour community members participated in the workshops. These participants increased their knowledge about legal subject-matters most relevant to them, such as family and labour law, for example.

Support for the Justice System: Through the Support Fund, 32 projects received funding to strengthen the bilingual capacity of the justice system through language training, professional development, and the promotion of the language of law. This includes 15 projects dedicated to the training of justice professionals, three projects to support the translation of judgements, three projects to support training in family justice and four projects to support jurilinguistic centres. Seven provinces also received funding for the implementation of the official languages provision of the Divorce Act. As an example, Juralingo, a not-for-profit organization operating in New-Brunswick, offered enhanced language training in both official languages to 65 provincial court judges during four, one-week, in-person training sessions through its language training program for provincial judges.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2026–27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: The Department undertook consultations with official language-minority community stakeholders in 2023–24. Specifically, the annual meeting of the Advisory Committee on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages was held in May 2023. Consultations with provincial and territorial partners were held through the semi-annual meetings of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Working Group on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages in October 2023 and March 2024. The Department also organized two information sessions (in French and in English) for the public regarding the Support Fund in October 2023. In addition to these formal mechanisms, the Department engaged with stakeholders, as needed, on a regular and informal basis, and attended several meetings and events organized by stakeholders.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

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 [ICW] services, and public legal education and information [PLEI]) 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.
• ICW 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.
• PLEI
  • 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, ICW services and PLEI that responded to their needs and circumstances. In 2022–23, 1,722 criminal legal aid applications were approved in Yukon and Northwest Territories, as well as 621 applications for civil legal aid and duty counsel assistance was provided in criminal matters 2,940 times (Nunavut 2022–23 data is not yet available). Results achieved for ICW services in the territories are presented under the ICW Program section, in combination with those of the participating provinces.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24:

An evaluation of the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program (JPIP) was completed in 2023–24 and included the PLEI component of the Access to Justice Agreements (AJA). The evaluation found that the AJA-PLEI contributes to the federal government’s ability to fulfill its roles in areas such as promoting access to justice and fulfilling its role in the shared jurisdiction with territories for the administration of justice. AJA-PLEI organizations (as well as provincial PLEI organizations), receive annual funding to support their core operations. In 2019, funding amounts provided to these organizations were increased for the first time in over twenty years, which provided critical support for their operations. The evaluation found that this additional funding was used to hire new staff, and to create and update content. The evaluation noted that PLEI organizations operating in the territories face additional challenges and costs in disseminating information, as large portions of the territories are populated by small and remote communities, with sometimes limited access to telephone and internet services.

Access to justice services in the territories will be included in the next evaluations of the Legal Aid Program (planned for completion in 2026–27) and the ICW Program (planned for completion in 2027–28).

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: In 2023–24, the FPT Permanent Working Group (PWG) on Legal Aid and its subcommittees held three virtual meetings and one in-person meeting. 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 efforts aimed at improving data collection to better measure and report on results, including Gender-based Analysis Plus impacts and outcomes. The FPT Working Group and the Tripartite Working Group on the ICW Program met three times, including for an in-person meeting in October 2023. Regarding additional engagement efforts, departmental staff met with delivery organisations in the Yukon, held bi-monthly calls with ICW directors and maintained regular contact with territorial counterparts.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

Canadian Family Justice Fund

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 the majority of funding under this program to provinces and territories 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 2023–24, six jurisdictions were supported, namely Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Department also made funding available under the project components. Fourteen projects received funding, including:

• Six projects focused on underserved populations.
• Four projects focused on modernization and technological updates, specifically targeting interactive content tools and social media connections for clear information about the family justice system process.
• A new project in British Columbia aimed to provide dedicated resources for relationship building and outreach to Indigenous organisations. The project also aimed to provide them with specialized support in family and child protection law.
• A project in Ontario aimed to improve the ability of lawyers to support women with intersecting identities as well as increase their access to the family justice system through research and an online course.
• A project in Quebec aimed to support fathers to adequately prepare for court and mitigate risks of parental alienation.
• A new pilot service that is being created for the calculation of child support in Saskatchewan.

In 2023–24, the Canadian Family Justice Fund (CFJF) provided funding to three provinces to continue working towards the implementation of the official language provision of the Divorce Act. This funding supports provinces in enhancing their capacity to deliver family justice services in both official languages to ensure that Canadians can have their divorce proceedings in the official language of their choice.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2025–26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: Ongoing engagement occurred with provincial and territorial partners through the existing FPT forums under the Coordinating Committee of Senior Officials - Family Justice to discuss issues related to family law policy development, legislation, and the CFJF. In addition, the Department continued to share program information with applicants and recipients through the Department of Justice Canada website and by phone and email. Information gathered from these consultations were used to adjust fund priorities and improve mechanisms to measure results.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

Criminal Legal Aid

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

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. In 2022–23, the provinces approved 221,393 full legal representation applications for criminal legal aid. Criminal duty counsel services were provided 1,108,049 times in 2022–23 to provincial legal aid clients.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2026–27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: In 2023–24, the FPT PWG on Legal Aid and its subcommittees held three virtual meetings and one in-person meeting. 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 and reporting 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

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 eligible adult offenders with a substance use disorder.^{Footnote 1}

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 2023–24, the Drug Treatment Court Funding Program (DTCFP) provided funding for the operation of 21 DTCs, located in eight provinces and two territories. Based on partial information available at the time of publication (eight out of 21 DTCs reported in the Drug Treatment Court Information System [DTCIS], the federal database, and 9 reported with disaggregated data reports), over 216 new participants were admitted into the program in 2023–24, resulting in more than 342 active participants throughout the fiscal year. Based on the availability of information in the DTCIS and disaggregated data reports, 63% of participants were retained for more than six months in federally funded DTC programs during 2023–24 and 34% of participants graduated or completed the full program. Recidivism studies show that recidivism rates decrease for participants as time spent in the program increases.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. The next evaluation of the DTCFP is planned for completion in 2026–27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: The program consulted with recipients through the DTCFP’s FPT Working Group. This Working Group contributes to the design, delivery, and evaluation of the program 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 three FPT Working Group meetings in 2023–24, including its first ever all-day, in-person meeting. Members of the DTCFP working group also had the opportunity to attend a presentation on Indigenous sensitive practices in the Court and the role of Indigenous Courtworkers. Links to a webinar on “Pathways to inclusion: Advancing cultural safety in harm reduction”; an Indigenous Courts Symposium; and a Gladue Conference were shared with FPT members, as were funding opportunities from Indigenous Services Canada as well as an invitation to participate in the Indigenous Justice Strategy virtual regional sessions. The Program also interacted with the working group through the sharing of various emails related to substance use.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid

Hyperlink: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/aid-aide/index.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: Legal aid for immigration and refugee matters are provided by service providers in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. The eight service providers were able to maintain the delivery of legal aid services for eligible persons in immigration and refugee matters throughout 2023–24. Based on the most recent program data available, 50,540 legal aid certificates were provided for immigration and refugee legal aid in the seven provinces that received federal funding in 2022–23.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2026–27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: The FPT PWG on Legal Aid held one, 2-day in-person meeting in 2023–24, which provided an opportunity to engage with Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid committee members. One virtual committee meeting was also held, and a number of virtual meetings with various provincial government and legal aid service provider officials took place throughout the fiscal year. Ongoing communication regarding funding, data collection improvements, and measures to support results reporting, such as Gender-based Analysis Plus impacts and outcomes, continued.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance between actual and planned spending is explained, in great part, by the Department receiving $71.6 million in additional funding during the year, to maintain federal support for immigration and refugee legal aid services, as announced in Budget 2023 and the Fall Economic Statement 2023. Since the demand for these services was higher than expected, the Department allocated an additional $3.7 million in funds from other programs, namely from the Contraventions Act Fund, the State-Funded Counsel Program and the 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:

• There were no complaints with respect to a lack of judicial and extra-judicial services in the official language of choice.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24.The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2025–26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: 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 FPT Working Group on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages meetings held in October 2023 and March 2024.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance between actual and planned spending 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 address funding pressures under the Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid Program.

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: ICW Program clients received timely and accurate information on court procedures, rights and responsibilities, legal resources, diversion, and information relating to access to community justice options including restorative justice programs and community services. Based on the last evaluation, approximately 230 courtworkers provided services to over 450 communities on an annual basis. ICW services were provided to 82,054 clients in 2022-23.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2027–28.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: The FPT Working Group and the Tripartite Working Group on the ICW Program met three times, including one face to face meeting in October 2023. In addition, the program manager met face to face with recipients in New Brunswick, British Columbia, Alberta, and Yukon, held bi-monthly calls with ICW directors and maintained regular contact with provincial and territorial counterparts. The ICW Program also supports training and engagement sessions that bring together courtworkers from multiple regions, 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: 2023–24

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 programs funded by the IJP.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: In 2023–24, the Indigenous Justice Program (IJP) supported 214 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. 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. 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 contributed to reducing the rates of recidivism, produced meaningful cost-savings for the criminal justice system and provided transformational change in the lives of participants. Approximately 90% of IJP participants complete their program.^{Footnote 2}

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2026–27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: The IJP regularly engages with recipients through day-to-day operations, including site visits and telecommunications. In 2023–24, the IJP supported five in-person regional gatherings, bringing together funding recipients, 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 funding 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 with the Indigenous Justice Program Federal, Provincial and Territorial Working Group four times (once in person and three times virtually) during the fiscal year.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

Indigenous Partnership Fund

Hyperlink: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/ipf-fpa/index.html

Start date: April 1, 2023

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Voted through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022–23

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 legal framework in Canada.

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Justice System Support, Program: Indigenous Justice

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:

To contribute to the Department’s efforts to renew its relationship with Indigenous peoples by enabling greater collaboration with Indigenous governments and organizations on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration Act on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in collaboration with other government departments.

The Indigenous Partnership Fund (IPF) supports ongoing consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act) and measures included in the UN Declaration Act Action Plan. The IPF provides funding to support Indigenous peoples’ continued participation in the various implementation, monitoring and oversight processes described in the Action Plan.

Results achieved:

• In 2023–24, the IPF provided $9 million to 77 Indigenous national and regional representative organizations, as well as individual First Nations, modern treaty and self-governing partners, national Indigenous women’s and urban/off-reserve organizations, Métis governments and Tribal Councils to support the development and maintenance of their ongoing core capacity to actively participate in UN Declaration Act and Action Plan implementation.
• The IPF also launched a call for proposals and in response, received 207 proposals. Funding provided through that call for proposals will support projects taking place in the 2024–25 fiscal year.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: New program, not applicable.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: New program. The first evaluation is planned for 2027–28.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: In 2023–24, engagement was conducted with successful grant recipients. The IPF regularly engages with recipients through day-to-day operations regarding funding approval, recipient’s goals, objectives and workplans, budgets and payments.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance between actual and planned spending is explained by delays in the launch of the Call for Proposals. Given a deadline of January 30, 2024, to submit applications, it was not feasible to finalize all the approvals of projects and allocate the funding prior to the end of the fiscal year.

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 who are convicted of serious violent offences and 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: In the 2023–24 fiscal year, 124 youth^{Footnote 3} benefited from federal IRCS funding. Through this funding, these youth were able to access a wide range of programming and therapeutic interventions to support their rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. 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 2023–24: Recipients were engaged through the FPT 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 2023–24, the FPT Working Group on Youth Justice Cost Sharing and Programs held two virtual meetings and one in-person meeting in Ottawa as well as several other sub-committee meetings that focused on various topics such as reporting, FPT work planning activities and IRCS internal processes.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

Justice Partnership and Innovation Program

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 (JPIP) 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:

• In 2023–24, two new projects were approved to provide culturally appropriate legal information, resources, and legal advice services for Indigenous communities in Ontario and Northwest Territories. In total, 30 projects are receiving funding to provide legal services and supports, including access to free legal advice, to diverse racialized and Indigenous communities across Canada.
• In 2023–24, 18 projects continued to be funded to provide Independent Legal Advice and Representation for victims of intimate partner violence (IPV).
• Funding also continued for 18 projects to provide additional support for victims of IPV involved in the family justice system. In total, 23 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.
• Two organizations were supported to facilitate the participation of communities and survivors in gatherings held in Quebec and Nunavut. 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.
• Two new Community Justice Centre (CJC) pilot projects were approved in Manitoba to support First Nations and Métis communities. CJCs are community driven models that integrate justice processes with health and social services to provide a coordinated approach to addressing the root causes of crime, break the cycle of offending, and improve public safety and community well being. Both pilots are supporting justice navigator models to guide individuals through the justice system and support them to access needed services by providing wrap-around and interdisciplinary supports.
• In 2023–24, 34 bursaries were provided for Métis and Non-Status Indians for law studies, as part of the Legal Studies for Indigenous Peoples Program.
• Ten provincially designated PLEI organizations continue to be supported to enhance their capacity to build knowledge, awareness and understanding of justice issues. Based on annual reporting received in 2023, over 3,000 new PLEI resources were produced for Canadians on a variety of legal issues, and over 300 PLEI activities (such as trainings, workshops, conferences) were held during 2022–23.
• Projects addressing workplace sexual harassment through the development and dissemination of PLEI ended on March 31, 2024. Funded projects across all provinces and territories developed over 100 PLEI resources and 18 projects offered training activities to increase awareness and knowledge of rights, legal options, and responsibilities related to workplace sexual harassment.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: An evaluation of the JPIP was completed in 2023–24 and found that the JPIP is aligned with federal and departmental roles and priorities, such as increasing awareness and understanding of the justice system through PLEI. The program is aligned with the needs of Canadians, including the needs of marginalized and vulnerable groups. It has contributed to an increased capacity to build knowledge, awareness and understanding of justice issues by recipient organizations, particularly in terms of innovation, and emerging and urgent issues. JPIP funded projects have contributed to an increased awareness and knowledge of the justice system for Canadians and has supported increased access to the justice system for Canadians, including marginalized and vulnerable groups, in areas such as pandemic-related issues, culturally responsive services, victims of crime, and official language minorities.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: Recipient meetings were held for multiple funding initiatives including the Independent Legal Advice and 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 CJCs initiative, three 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 CJCs pilots and community engagement sessions.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

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 JPIP 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. Throughout the duration of this initiative, a client satisfaction survey was distributed to clients receiving free legal advice, to collect data that would be complementary to the recipients’ interim and final reports. However, funding recipients reported that clients were reluctant or refused to complete the survey wishing to preserve their anonymity, avoid perceived retribution by the employer and avoid reliving the trauma. As such, there is insufficient client survey data to draw conclusions.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: An evaluation of the Legal Support and Awareness to Address Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Initiative was completed in 2023–24. The evaluation found that the initiative was well aligned with federal government priorities, consistent with federal roles and responsibilities, and that projects were aligned with the needs of target populations. Although the majority of projects were not yet completed at the time of the evaluation, there was evidence to demonstrate that funded projects were contributing to increasing access to legal advice.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: Ongoing communication with funded organizations took place throughout the fiscal year by e-mail or virtual meetings, as requested by funding recipients, responding to a variety of topics such as interim activity progress reporting, interim/final payment requests and the termination of the project on March 31, 2024.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

Victims Fund

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

Start date: March 2000 (Victims of Crime Initiative)

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: Voted through Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023–24 (Contributions) / 2016-17 (Grants)

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.
• 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 27 CACs to meet the growing needs of child and youth victims.
• In total, 16 non-governmental organisations have accessed funding to provide enhanced supports to victims and survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
• In total, 187 non-governmental organisations received funding to support awareness raising events and activities during the Victims and Survivors of Crime week, across all 13 jurisdictions.
• In total, eight provinces and territories received increased funding for the delivery of Family Information Liaison Units (FILUs) to increase and expand the support activities to families of missing and murdered Indigenous people.
• 110 registered victims and support persons received financial assistance to attend Parole Board of Canada hearings.
• 103 Canadians victimized abroad received financial assistance.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. The next evaluation is planned for completion in 2025–26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: 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 CACs. Regular outreach and communications activities of the Policy Centre for Victims Issues included: regular meetings held with governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGO) partners, webinars on specific topics, development of PLEI fact sheets, and continued engagement of stakeholders on ongoing issues of mutual interest.

The 2020–21 evaluation of the FVS resulted in a recommendation to improve Victims Fund reporting templates and tools to allow for more consistent and strategic data collection from funded projects. Departmental officials developed a new reporting template, as well as a client survey, and these have been distributed to funding recipients for use in annual reporting. The first completed reports on the new templates were submitted in summer 2023.

The Budget 2023 announcement of the renewal and expansion of funding to support missing and murdered Indigenous people through the FILUs and Community Support and Healing for Families (CSHF), and the new funding to Support Indigenous Victims of Crime initiative, garnered great interest and included the following:

• Outreach to all 13 jurisdictions to discuss expansion of the delivery of FILUs resulted in 10 FILUs seeking additional funding to increase and expand the support activities to families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and 2SLGBTQI+ (MMIWG2S+).
• Outreach to 10 organisations with existing funding agreements delivering on the CSHF initiative, resulted in nine organisations accessing additional funding to expand and increase their supports to families of MMIWG2S+.
• A Call for proposals for the CSHF initiative was launched in early fall 2023 and included engagement with First Nations, Inuit and Metis organisations.
• A small advisory group was established in 2023–24 to inform the design framework for the new Support for Indigenous Victims of Crime funding to be launched in 2024–25.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance between actual and planned spending is explained by an increase in spending to respond to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Final Report: Increasing Access to Culturally Grounded and Indigenous-Led Victim Services, as announced in Budget 2023. The Department received additional funding of $12.1 million during the year to support continued and expanded services for families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQI+ people, men and boys through FILUs and the CSHF, and to support access to Indigenous-led victims services and supports.

The increase was partially offset by a reduction in spending 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, as 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.
• 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.
• Conferencing.
• Other community-based sanctions.

According to the most recently published data by Statistics Canada (2021–22), 91% of youth court cases received a non-custodial (community-based) sentence^{Footnote 4}. This is 6% 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 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. 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 2023–24: Recipients are engaged through the FPT 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 2023–24, the FPT Working Group on Youth Justice Cost Sharing and Programs held two virtual meetings and one in-person meeting in Ottawa, as well as several other sub-committee meetings that focused on various topics such as reporting, FPT activity planning activities and IRCS internal processes.

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 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. It will be included in the next Evaluation of the JPIP, planned for completion in 2028–29.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: 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 between actual and planned spending is explained by the exchange rate difference 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 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24:No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. It will be included in the next Evaluation of the JPIP, planned for completion in 2028–29.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: 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 between actual and planned spending is explained by the exchange rate difference between Euro and Canadian dollars.

Financial information (dollars)

Impact of Race and Culture Assessments

Hyperlink: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/gov-gouv/aid-aide/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 2023–24, funding was provided to prepare IRCAs in six jurisdictions: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia and, Newfoundland and Labrador. Funding was also provided to four organizations to develop training for IRCA writers and continuing professional development for lawyers, judges, and other legal professionals. In total, 209 IRCAs were prepared and 27 IRCA writers received training.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. This program will be included in the Evaluation of the Legal Aid Program planned for completion in 2026–27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: Continued discussions with funding recipients took place throughout 2023–24 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.

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.

Integrated Market Enforcement Teams 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 Integrated Market Enforcement Teams (IMET) investigations.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved: While no IMET applications were received in 2023–24, 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 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. The last evaluation was completed in 2016-17.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: 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 2023–24 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 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 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 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. It will be included in the next Evaluation of the JPIP, planned for completion in 2028–29.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: The Department of Justice Canada deals directly with UNIDROIT, the intended recipient for this assessed contribution.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

The variance between actual and planned spending is explained by the exchange rate difference 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: 2023–24

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 theImmigration 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: There were no new applications for special advocates in 2023–24, while legal training was provided to 12 new special advocates. The program also continued to support the responsibilities of the Minister of Justice under Division 9 of the IRPA by virtue of its availability to respond to such orders.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. The next evaluation is planned for 2025–26 (evaluated under Division 9 of the IRPA, led by Public Safety Canada).

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: 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/index.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.
• To ensure that cases are not stayed due to lack of counsel.

There are no repayable contributions.

Results achieved:Throughout 2023–24, recipients increased their capacity to provide state-funded counsel to eligible persons in cases involving national security, and in cases involving court orders in federal prosecutions. There were no stays (proceedings stopped or suspended by court ruling) due to the lack of funded counsel.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. It will be included in the next evaluation of the Legal Aid Program, planned for completion in 2026–27.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: In 2023–24, the FPT PWG on Legal Aid and its subcommittees held one in-person meeting and three 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 between actual and planned spending is explained by 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 IRCS 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.
• 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 26 active multi-year pilot projects supported through the Youth Justice Fund in 2023–24, thus contributing to a more responsive youth justice system. Additionally, the Fund supported one research project and the National Youth Justice Network to further stakeholder collaboration and learnings.

Findings of audits completed in 2023–24: No audits were completed for this program in 2023–24.

Findings of evaluations completed in 2023–24: No evaluations were completed for this program in 2023–24. The next evaluation of the Youth Justice Initiative, in which the Youth Justice Fund is a component, is planned for completion in 2025–26.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2023–24: Youth Justice Fund recipients are engaged on an ongoing basis. For example, the Toronto Metropolitan University and the St-Lawrence Youth Association were both invited to present their respective projects, funded under the Youth Justice Fund, to the FPT Working Group on Youth Justice Cost Sharing and Programs during its October 2023 in-person meeting in Ottawa.

Financial information (dollars)

Explanation of variances

Not applicable.