1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Evaluation

This report presents the findings and recommendations for the Evaluation of the Contraventions Act Program (hereafter the Program). The evaluation was undertaken as part of the Department of Justice Canada’s (Justice Canada) 2021-22 to 2025-26 Integrated Audit and Evaluation Plan and was conducted in accordance with the Treasury Board’s Policy on Results (2016).

1.2 Evaluation Scope

The evaluation covered five fiscal years (FY) from 2020-21 to 2024-25. A review of available information as well as consultations with senior officials regarding key issues and topics related to the program informed the scope of the evaluation.

Building on findings from previous evaluations of the program, a particular focus was placed on the relevance of the Contraventions Act itself. More specifically, the Act has been in place for more than 30 years and, during that time, significant changes have occurred in the range of activities that federal departments and agencies are undertaking, and the associated enforcement means that they require. Also, the use of other tools and the integration of new technologies to facilitate the enforcement of regulatory offences have transformed the environment in which the Contraventions Act operates. Just as importantly, after three decades of sustained efforts to secure the participation of all jurisdictions in the contraventions regime, it is still not operational in Alberta and Saskatchewan or in the territories.

In addition to the relevance of the contraventions regime, the evaluation served to provide an updated overview of the extent to which it has effectively and efficiently achieved its intended objectives in the jurisdictions where the regime is operational.