2015-16 Report on Plans and Priorities
Section II: Analysis of Programs by Strategic Outcomes
Strategic Outcome 1: A Fair, Relevant and Accessible Canadian Justice System
The Department plays a stewardship role in ensuring a fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system. This Strategic Outcome is a shared responsibility among a broad range of players, including Parliament; the judiciary; federal departments and agencies; partners in provincial, territorial, and municipal governments; a broad range of non-governmental organizations and stakeholders; and, ultimately, all Canadians.
Program 1.1: Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework
Description
The Department fulfils its stewardship role by ensuring a bilingual and bijural national legal framework for the administration of justice that contributes to a safe and just society for all Canadians and confidence in Canada’s justice system. The Department develops and tests innovative approaches to strengthen the legal framework within the following domains: criminal law, youth criminal justice, sentencing, official languages, marriage and divorce, access to justice, and Aboriginal justice. In addition, in view of the federal government’s shared interest in a sustainable justice system, the Department promotes and facilitates ongoing dialogue with the provinces and territories in the areas of shared jurisdiction and provides funding for the delivery of programs that directly support federal policy objectives.
| 2015–16 Main Estimates |
2015–16 Planned Spending |
2016–17 Planned Spending |
2017–18 Planned Spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 393,390,464 | 394,638,847 | 388,913,386 | 350,048,906 |
| 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 |
|---|---|---|
| 258 | 258 | 258 |
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets | Date to Be Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justice laws and policies promote a fair, accessible and relevant justice system in Canada | Canada’s international ranking with respect to fairness of the justice system | 10Table note * | March 2016 |
- Table note *
-
The Department’s performance target is an international ranking of 10th place or better for Canada (source: World Competitiveness Year Book).
Planning Highlights
In executing its role as steward of the Canadian legal framework, the Department will work to achieve two organizational priorities: “To ensure that the justice system continues to enhance the personal safety and security of citizens through criminal laws, policies, and programs” and “To support victims of crime.”
Through coordination with various domestic and international governments in the development and implementation of legislative reforms, policy options and initiatives, the Department will ensure the promotion of a fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system. Accordingly, for 2015-16, the Department will continue to work to ensure Canada remains an international leader, with a ranking of tenth place or better, in the fairness of its justice system.
The Department will continue to develop legal policies and laws and support a variety of initiatives, including Canada’s Victims Bill of Rights Act, a significant piece of legislation that seeks to create clear statutory rights at the federal level for victims of crime through the creation of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and also amends the Criminal Code and the Corrections and Conditional Release Act to reflect these rights. Furthermore, the Department will advance the Action Plan to Address Family Violence and Violent Crimes Against Aboriginal Women and Girls to increase support for Aboriginal victims of crime and their families, as well as continue with the development of Child Advocacy Centres. These initiatives will inform various policy and program activities of the Federal Victims Strategy.
Through the Special Advocates Program, the Department both supports the Minister of Justice in meeting his obligations in proceedings under Division 9 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and works to ensure the fairness of these proceedings. The Department will implement the recommendations flowing from the second departmental evaluation of the Program.
In leading the National Anti-Drug Strategy, the Department will continue to work with other federal government departments and agencies to carry out prevention, treatment and enforcement activities related to illicit drugs and abuse of prescription drugs. The Department will also continue to implement its two programs under the National Anti-Drug Strategy: the Drug Treatment Court Funding Program and the Drug Treatment component of the Youth Justice Fund.
For 2015-16, the Department will also promote initiatives in support of family justice, Aboriginal and Northern justice, as well as justice in official languages. This includes continued delivery of the Supporting Families Fund, the Aboriginal Justice Strategy, the Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund and the Contraventions Act Fund.
The Department will continue to support Government of Canada objectives by providing funding and advancing jurisprudence. Additionally, it aims to preserve the Department’s reputation amongst the international community as a leader in criminal justice system fairness.
Sub-program 1.1.1: Legal Policies and Laws
Description
The Department develops and coordinates all federal justice legislative reforms, policy options, and initiatives that promote a fair, accessible, and relevant justice system for the benefit of Canadians. This includes the areas of criminal justice, victims of crime, youth justice, family justice, official languages, contraventions, illicit drugs (via the National Anti-Drug Strategy), legal dualism, Aboriginal justice, security, and terrorism. The Department monitors developments in justice law, policy and procedure; develops and implements options for law, enforcement and policy reforms through legislation; develops and provides information and services to implement policies and laws; and provides advice to other federal departments in matters associated to justice-related laws and policies. As the administration of justice is an area of shared jurisdiction, the Department works closely with the provinces and territories in support of their responsibility for the day-to-day administration of justice. The Department also responds to parliamentary business involving justice matters, including Government bills, private members’ bills and parliamentary reviews. Furthermore, the Department supports the Government’s international priorities related to justice – namely, the provision of policy advice in the development of Canada’s international justice policies, the negotiation either through bilateral or multilateral forums of international norms, treaties and conventions, and the development of legal cooperation programs, as well as the provision of legal technical assistance to foreign countries seeking to reform their justice systems.
| 2015–16 Planned Spending |
2016–17 Planned Spending |
2017–18 Planned Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 34,750,844 | 29,319,509 | 28,998,075 |
| 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 |
|---|---|---|
| 208 | 208 | 208 |
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets | Date to Be Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadians have confidence in Canada’s criminal and family laws | Percentage of Canadians who rate their level of confidence in adult criminal law as 6.0 or greater on a 10-point scale | 60 | March 2016 |
| Percentage of Canadians who rate their level of confidence in youth criminal law as 6.0 or greater on a 10-point scale | 60 | March 2016 | |
| Total amount of federal monies garnisheed to help satisfy family support orders or agreements | $165 million | March 2016 |
Planning Highlights
In support of the Government of Canada’s priorities, the Department of Justice will continue to provide legal and policy advice; support the progress and passage of key law reform bills that are intended to enhance public safety, sentencing and criminal procedure, among other matters; respond to new technology; support victims of crime; and promote the Government’s security and anti-terrorism initiatives. The Department remains committed to engaging and negotiating with provincial, territorial and international governments on the identification of emerging issues, development of policy and legislative options, and implementation of reforms to improve the criminal and family justice system and instil public confidence.
The Department will work to advance the Government’s priorities in the area of prostitution, violence against Aboriginal women and girls and the Victims Bill of Rights Act, through the provision of legal services, policy initiatives and program funding.
Through the Federal Victims Strategy, the Department will continue to advance activities in support of victims of crime, working in close collaboration with other federal institutions, as well as victims, victim advocates, provincial and territorial governments, service providers, and others involved in the criminal justice system. It will also continue to develop policy and criminal law reform, fund various projects, explore best practices, and raise awareness about the concerns of victims of crime and their role in the criminal justice system.
The Department will seek renewal of the Government’s Supporting Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce Initiative(ending 2015-16). Justice will also work closely with provinces and territories to improve family justice services, including negotiating agreements for the establishment of provincial child support services (to recalculate child support under section 25.1 of the Divorce Act).
To address family violence, the Department will collaborate with partners in policing, prosecutions, child protection, victim services, and the voluntary sector to enhance training or other tools to improve the justice system response to family violence, including intimate partner violence, child abuse and forced marriage.
The Department will continue to develop, analyze, research and maintain expertise on youth justice and provide legal and policy advice. Additionally, it will continue to lead the National Anti-Drug Strategy, which includes prevention, treatment and enforcement efforts.
At the international level, the Department will work with global partners to ensure that domestic legal frameworks and international instruments adequately support international efforts to combat crime, including organized crime, illicit drugs, cybercrime, corruption and terrorism. It will support the Government of Canada in the elaboration and implementation of foreign policy, ensuring compliance with Canadian criminal law and policy, while advancing and protecting Canadian interests and values in the development of global anti-crime and terrorism measures. This involves the provision of strategic advice and the implementation of legal technical assistance projects (such as the current projects aimed at strengthening justice institutions in Jamaica and in the West Bank), which promote foundational Canadian values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
In attending to these issues, as well as other program initiatives, the Department aims to fulfil its role as steward of the Canadian Legal Framework Program and further bolster citizen confidence in the justice system.
Sub-program 1.1.2: Justice System Support
Description
The Department, through grant and contribution funding, supports access to the justice system by enabling Canadians to obtain assistance and legal information in order to resolve their legal issues, whether in the formal justice system or through alternative resolution mechanisms. The Department provides ongoing funding to provincial, territorial and non-governmental organizations, and Aboriginal groups and communities. This program provides justice system support to advance federal justice policy in the following core domains: criminal justice (including youth justice and victims of crime), family justice, access to justice, official languages, contraventions and Aboriginal justice.
| 2015–16 Planned Spending |
2016–17 Planned Spending |
2017–18 Planned Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 359,888,003 | 359,593,877 | 321,050,831 |
| 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets | Date to Be Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| A justice system that is accessible to Canadians | Percentage of federal justice system support funding provided to provinces and territories, non-governmental organizations, and Aboriginal groups and communities to inform and assist Canadians in resolving their legal matters | 100 | March 2016 |
| Percentage of provinces with designated public legal education and information organizations supported by the Department that provide legal information | 100 | March 2016 |
Planning Highlights
As part of developing a centre of expertise in grants and contributions programs, the Department will continue implementing reforms in its delivery of such programs. Reforms include the ongoing development and use of service standards, program and project risk tools, stakeholder engagement, and common templates and tools. In addition, the Department will continue to work with other federal departments to develop and implement a new government-wide grants and contributions management system.
The Department will also continue to advance public legal education and information by producing and maintaining such materials in support of justice priorities and funding designated public legal education and information organizations.
Sub-sub-program 1.1.2.1: Criminal Justice and Legal Representation
Description
The Department, through contribution and grant funding, facilitates access to justice and the functioning of the Canadian criminal justice system. The Department provides funding to provinces and designated counsel to help ensure that economically disadvantaged individuals deemed in need of legal assistance have access to legal advice and representation when facing a serious and/or complex criminal charge, the immigration and refugee determination system, or Division 9 proceedings of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (alleged threats to national security). Funding is also made available to other partners in the justice system for specialized criminal justice programs and services to improve access to justice, as well as for the development of public legal education resources to respond to the legal information needs of Canadians. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Legal Aid Program, Public Security and Anti-terrorism Legal Aid, Court-Ordered Counsel in Federal Prosecutions, Drug Treatment Court Funding Program, Integrated Market Enforcement Teams Reserve Fund (IMET), Special Advocates Program, International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (Unidroit), The Hague Conference on Private International Law, and Justice Partnership and Innovation Program (JPIP), which includes funding to enhance the justice system’s response to family violence through the Family Violence Initiative.
| 2015–16 Planned Spending |
2016–17 Planned Spending |
2017–18 Planned Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 132,929,238 | 132,429,238 | 120,929,238 |
| 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets | Date to Be Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhanced capacity of provinces and their legal aid plans to deliver criminal legal aid services to eligible economically disadvantaged persons | Number of approved applications for criminal legal aid in provinces | 270,000 | March 2016 |
| Eligible persons are represented in court so cases proceed | Number of stays (cases temporarily suspended or stopped altogether) due to the lack of funded counsel for court-ordered counsel in federal prosecutions and in public security and anti-terrorism cases | 0 | March 2016 |
Planning Highlights
The Department, through the Legal Aid Program, will continue to advance access to justice by working in collaboration with provinces and territories to provide criminal legal aid, immigration and refugee legal aid, legal aid in public security and anti-terrorism cases, and court-ordered counsel in federal prosecutions. The Department will continue to work with the provinces and territories to identify program efficiencies to enable the federal government to maximize its investment in legal aid.
Through the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program, the Department will continue to work with key stakeholders to improve access to justice, including the provision of funding support to public legal education and information organizations that develop material to respond to the legal needs of Canadians.
In addition, the Department will continue to implement its components of the National Anti-Drug Strategy to further help prevent illicit drug use and provide access to treatment to those with substance abuse issues. The Department will continue funding the Drug Treatment Court Funding Program through contribution agreements with participating provinces and territories.
The Department will also continue to administer the Integrated Market Enforcement Team Reserve Fund, which supports the prosecution of cases regarding serious criminal capital market fraud offences in Canada.
Sub-sub-program 1.1.2.2: Victims of Crime
Description
The Department, through grant and contribution funding, aims to give victims of crime a more effective voice in the criminal justice system. The Department provides funding to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to increase awareness and knowledge of victim issues, legislation and services available, as well as to develop and deliver victim programs, services and assistance to meet gaps in services for victims of crime. The Department also provides direct, limited, emergency financial assistance to individual victims in certain specified circumstances, including travel for registered victims to attend Parole Board of Canada hearings and for Canadians victimized abroad. This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: the Victims Fund.
| 2015–16 Planned Spending |
2016–17 Planned Spending |
2017–18 Planned Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 12,771,559 | 13,004,806 | 13,024,962 |
| 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets | Date to Be Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victims of crime have a more effective voice in the criminal justice system | Percentage of federal victims funding accessed by provinces/territories, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to advance victim assistance and participation in the criminal justice system | 100 | March 2016 |
| Percentage of victims receiving financial assistance who report having a more effective voice in the criminal justice system | 90 | March 2016 |
Planning Highlights
The Department of Justice will continue to support the Victims Bill of Rights Act as it progresses through Parliament. This Act would transform the criminal justice system by creating, at the federal level, clear rights for victims of crime—a first in Canadian history. Funding will be made available to assist the provinces and territories in implementing the Act.
The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights is part of the Government’s Plan for Safe Streets and Communities which focuses on holding violent offenders accountable, enhancing the rights of victims, and increasing the efficiency of the Canadian justice system. This initiative —along with additional priorities announced in the 2013 Speech from the Throne such as renewed commitments to protect children from sexual exploitation and efforts to address the issue of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls —will enable the Department to support victims more effectively.
As part of the Federal Victims Strategy, the Department will also continue to administer the Victims Fund, a $12.4 million grants and contributions program that provides resources to non-governmental organizations, as well as provincial and territorial governments, to deliver programs and services for victims of crime and give them a more effective voice in the criminal justice system. The Victims Fund provides funding for Child Advocacy Centres, services for families of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls, programs for those who want to leave prostitution, and various other victim-related initiatives.
Through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders across Canada, the Department will continue to bolster support for victims of crime.
Sub-sub-program 1.1.2.3: Youth Justice
Description
The Department, through contribution and grant funding, supports fair and effective programming for youth aged 12 to 17 involved in the criminal justice system. The Department directs resources towards the federal youth justice priorities of holding youth accountable through measures that are proportionate to the seriousness of the offence and degree of responsibility of the young person, promoting the rehabilitation and reintegration of young persons who have committed offences, and supporting the prevention of crime by referring young persons to programs or agencies in the community, while also assisting the provinces and territories in their responsibility of administering the Youth Criminal Justice Act. A portion of discretionary funding also exists which allows the Department to encourage innovation around emerging youth justice issues (e.g., rehabilitation, treatment, reintegration, programming). This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: the Youth Justice Fund, Youth Justice Services, and Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision.
| 2015–16 Planned Spending |
2016–17 Planned Spending |
2017–18 Planned Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 157,974,116 | 157,974,116 | 157,974,116 |
| 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets | Date to Be Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| A youth justice system that supports federal youth justice priorities | Percentage of youth court cases receiving a non-custodial (community-based) sentence | 85 | March 2017 |
| Percentage of identified, eligible Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision cases receiving specialized treatment | 100 | March 2016 |
Planning Highlights
Through the Youth Justice Fund (YJF), the Youth Justice Services Funding Program (YJSFP), and the Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision (IRCS) Program, the Department will continue to advance projects that encourage a more effective youth justice system, respond to emerging youth justice issues, and allow for greater citizen and community participation in the youth justice system. In doing so, it aims to promote knowledge-sharing with partners in federal, provincial and territorial governments, and non-governmental organizations as well as international organizations, on matters relating to youth justice.
The YJF delivers funding through three sub-components: the Main Fund; the Drug Treatment component; and the Guns, Gangs and Drugs component. Together, these components provide grants and contributions for youth with mental health issues and/or cognitive impairments; drug treatment programming; and community-based educational, cultural, sporting and vocational opportunities.
The YJSFP is a contribution program that is cost-shared with provinces and territories for the delivery of youth justice programs and services. It provides priority funding for areas related to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and aims to protect the public by encouraging accountability, effective rehabilitation and reintegration of young people while reserving the formal court process for the most serious youth offenders.
The IRCS Program funds provinces and territories that provide specialized therapeutic programs and services for youth with mental health needs who are convicted of a serious violent offence.
In working with different levels of government across Canada to administer funding through these major support initiatives, the Department ensures that youth justice priorities are being supported and that a fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system is being promoted.
Sub-sub-program 1.1.2.4: Family Justice
Description
The Department, through contribution and grant funding, provides support to Canadians experiencing separation and divorce by facilitating the effective delivery of programs and services, such as parent education, mediation, support enforcement and child support recalculation, and by developing family law information and training resources. Family justice funding assists the provinces and territories to develop and provide family justice services and programs that are aimed at enhancing the capacity of parents to reach appropriate custody, access and support agreements and to comply with those agreements. Federal funding also assists non-governmental organizations in developing family law information and training resources, supports implementation of the Department’s legislative obligations and policy priorities in the area of family justice, and provides support to program evaluation by collecting and reporting on the funding data. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: the Supporting Families Fund.
| 2015–16 Planned Spending |
2016–17 Planned Spending |
2017–18 Planned Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 16,538,876 | 16,511,503 | 0Table note ** |
- Table note **
-
The funding associated with the initiative under this sub-sub-program will expire on March 31, 2017.
| 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets | Date to Be Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| A family justice system that supports access to family justice information, services, and programs for Canadians experiencing separation and divorce | Percentage of federal funds accessed by provinces, territories, and non-governmental organizations to help defray the costs of developing and delivering family justice programs, services, and information and training resources | 100 | March 2016 |
Planning Highlights
With the assistance of the Supporting Families Fund, provinces and territories as well as non-governmental organizations will provide a range of services, programs and information resources to make it easier for divorcing or separating parents to gain access to the family justice system.
In addition, the Department will continue to implement the family justice services funding agreements with provinces and territories, as well as public legal education and information material and professional training project agreements with non-governmental organizations. By prioritizing the development of public legal education and information material and the provision of professional training, the Department will enhance access to family justice information, services and programs for Canadians who are experiencing separation and divorce.
Sub-sub-program 1.1.2.5: Aboriginal and Northern Justice
Description
The Department, through grant and contribution funding, supports the development and delivery of justice services that are sensitive to and reflective of Aboriginal culture and allows flexible delivery of justice services for persons living in the territories. The Department collaborates with the provinces and territories in developing community capacity to assist Aboriginal people and Northern residents in navigating the mainstream justice system, and in providing culturally relevant justice alternatives. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Aboriginal Justice Strategy, Aboriginal Courtwork Program, and Access to Justice Services in the Territories.
| 2015–16 Planned Spending |
2016–17 Planned Spending |
2017–18 Planned Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 23,814,826 | 23,814,826 | 13,263,127 |
| 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets | Date to Be Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| A justice system that responds to the needs of Aboriginal people by providing culturally relevant information and services | Percentage of individuals referred to an Aboriginal Justice Strategy program who have completed the program | 90 | March 2017 |
| Percentage of Aboriginal Courtwork Program clients indicating a level of satisfaction of “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the information provided | 80 | March 2017 | |
| Territorial residents have access to justice services (legal aid, public legal education and information, Aboriginal Courtwork Program) that respond to their needs and circumstances | Number of approved applications for legal aid in the territories | 3,000 | March 2016 |
Planning Highlights
As part of the Government’s efforts to ensure that the justice system responds to the needs of Canada’s Aboriginal population, the Department will continue to co-chair the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group on Aboriginal Justice and proceed with the implementation and ongoing management of the Aboriginal Justice Strategy (AJS), the Aboriginal Courtwork Program, and the Access to Justice Services Agreements.
The AJS supports cost-effective alternatives to the mainstream justice system for less serious offences in appropriate circumstances. As part of this Strategy, which is designed to decrease victimization, crime and incarceration among Aboriginal people, the Department will continue to work with Aboriginal communities to support community-based justice programs and projects funded under the capacity building funds. The Department will also continue the national evaluation of the AJS in consultation with provinces and territories.
Through the Aboriginal Courtwork Program, the Department shares with provinces the cost of providing Aboriginal Courtworkers in criminal justice proceedings to give culturally relevant support and information to all Aboriginal people (adult and youth) who are in contact with the criminal justice system whether as an accused person, victim, witness or family members.
Finally, through the Access to Justice Services Agreements, the Department supports the delivery of access to justice services in northern communities, including: legal aid (both criminal and civil), Aboriginal courtwork services and public legal education and information. These Agreements recognize the distinct service delivery challenges that exist in Canada’s northern and remote regions, including language barriers; a lack of communications infrastructure; and limited access to private bar lawyers where legal aid lawyers are the only source of legal support, as is the case in many northern and remote communities.
Sub-sub-program 1.1.2.6: Justice in Official Languages
Description
The Department, through grant and contribution funding, provides support to improve access to justice in both official languages to persons navigating the justice system. The Department manages the Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund and implements the Department’s duty to take positive measures to fulfil the federal government’s commitment contained in section 41 of the Official Languages Act towards the development of official language minority communities and the promotion of English and French. The Department also manages the Contraventions Act Fund to enable the provinces and municipalities to implement the Contraventions Act on behalf of the federal government in a manner consistent with the applicable constitutional and legislative language rights involving compliance with judicial services as set out in sections 530 and 530.1 of the Criminal Code and extra-judicial services as set out in Part IV of the Official Languages Act. This program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Access to Justice in Both Officials Languages Support Fund and Contraventions Act Fund.
| 2015–16 Planned Spending |
2016–17 Planned Spending |
2017–18 Planned Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 15,859,388 | 15,859,388 | 15,859,388 |
| 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets | Date to Be Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadians have access to a criminal justice system that responds to their needs in the official language of their choice | Percentage of provinces and territories where justice system stakeholders (prosecutors, court clerks, judges, etc.) have access to specialized language training to facilitate access to justice in the official language of choice | 100 | March 2016 |
| Canadians have access to legal information regarding their rights and responsibilities in the official language of their choice | Percentage of provinces and territories for which official language minority communities have access to legal information through an information hub that provides Canadians with legal information through a telephone helpline, online, or in person | 100 | March 2016 |
| Canadians in designated areas who have received a federal contravention have access to the justice system using the official language of their choice | Number of complaints with respect to judicial and extra-judicial services in the official language of choice | 0 | March 2016 |
Planning Highlights
In compliance with Part VII (promotion of official languages, support to the development and vitality of minority communities, etc.) of the Official Languages Act, the Department facilitates the participation of official language minority communities and their organizations in developing and assessing policies, programs and services. By funding language activities and projects, the Department will encourage linguistic duality and continue to ensure that Canadians have access to legal information regarding their legal rights and responsibilities in the official language of their choice.
The Department will continue to support the implementation of the Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund by working with the provinces, territories, universities, courts, non-governmental organizations, and oithers to secure funding agreements. Objectives of the Support Fund include increasing the capacity of justice system stakeholders (judges, prosecutors, clerks, etc.) to offer justice services in both official languages, as well as increasing in the availability and provisions of legal information in the minority language to the legal community and official language minority communities. The Department will be supporting projects to: develop and disseminate linguistic tools; undertake research to the benefit of official language minority communities; and promote training for stakeholders of the justice system in both official languages, such as the training program available to all provincial court judges which was established by the Provincial Court of New Brunswick, where the key training activity is moot courts.
Furthermore, the Department will work with other federal departments on regulatory amendments to ensure successful implementation of the Contraventions Act. Through the Contraventions Act Fund, the Department will continue to provide provinces, territories and municipalities with funding to undertake measures that ensure language rights are respected in relation to the administration and enforcement of federal contraventions.
Together, these funding programs will support stakeholders of the justice system by providing them with the financial resources they need to administer their projects, thereby strengthening the Department’s commitment to a fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system.
Program 1.2: Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime
Description
The Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) was created to provide a voice for victims of crime at the federal level and to ensure that the federal government meets its commitments to victims. The OFOVC provides direct information, referral and complaint-review services to its primary clients: victims, victims’ family members or representatives, victim-serving agencies, and other related stakeholders. The Office also helps raise awareness of systemic issues amongst all criminal justice and victim-serving personnel, and provides related recommendations and advice to the Government of Canada through the Minister of Justice. In order to fulfill its mandate, the OFOVC promotes access by victims to existing federal programs and services for victims; addresses complaints of victims about compliance with the provisions of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act; promotes awareness of the needs and concerns of victims and the applicable laws that benefit victims of crime, including promoting the principles set out in the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime; identifies and reviewsemerging and systemic issues that negatively impact victims of crime; and facilitates access by victims to existing federal programs and services by providing them with information and referrals. The Ombudsman reports directly to the Minister of Justice and, as such, the Office falls outside the Department’s governance framework.
| 2015–16 Main Estimates |
2015–16 Planned Spending |
2016–17 Planned Spending |
2017–18 Planned Spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,320,994 | 1,320,994 | 1,320,994 | 1,320,994 |
| 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets | Date to Be Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victims of crime access information on their rights and the federal programs and services that are available to them and/or access a complaint review process to address complaints about federal programs, services, laws or policies regarding victims of crime | Year-over-year percentage increase of client contacts with OFOVC | 2 | March 2016 |
| Federal departments, agencies and other stakeholders are provided with OFOVC recommendations on how to effect change for victims of crime | Percentage of OFOVC recommendations submitted and acknowledged and/or acted upon | 100 | March 2016 |
| Stakeholders have access to timely and relevant information about the Office and its activities | Percentage of all pre-identified key stakeholders contacted annually | 100 | March 2016 |
Planning Highlights
For further information regarding the activities of the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, please visit the Office’s website.
Strategic Outcome 2: A Federal Government that is Supported by High-Quality Legal Services
Under the Department of Justice Act, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada provides high-quality legal services to the federal government and its departments and agencies. According to section 4 of the Act, the Minister is the legal member of the Queen’s Privy Council responsible for seeing that the administration of public affairs is in accordance with the law. Under section 4.1 of the Act, the Minister is responsible for drafting and reviewing all government regulations prior to registration to ensure conformity with the Statutory Instruments Act and all government bills prior to tabling in Parliament to ensure that the bills are not inconsistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Additionally, under section 5 of the Department of Justice Act, the Attorney General is responsible for advising the heads of government departments on all matters of law and for conducting all litigation for any federal department or agency of the Crown with respect to any subject within the authority or jurisdiction of Canada.
Program 2.1: Legal Services to Government Program
Description
The Department of Justice provides an integrated suite of high-quality legal advisory, litigation and legislative services to the Minister of Justice and to all federal departments and agencies to support them in meeting the Government’s policy and programming priorities and to advance the overall objectives of the Government. Services are provided through a network of departmental legal services units co-located with client departments and agencies, specialized legal capacities within national headquarters, and a network of regional offices and sub-offices providing legal advisory and litigation services to federal departments and agencies across the country.
| 2015–16 Main Estimates |
2015–16 Planned Spending |
2016–17 Planned Spending |
2017–18 Planned Spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 192,604,324 | 198,250,530 | 186,770,969 | 186,770,967 |
| 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,124 | 3,070 | 3,070 |
| Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets | Date to Be Achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal departments and agencies receive high-quality legal services | Client satisfaction mean rating on the overall quality of legal advisory, litigation, legislative, and regulatory drafting services on a 10-point scale | 8 | November 2016 |
| Client satisfaction mean rating on the Department of Justice Canada performance against service standards for the delivery of legal services on a 10-point scale | 8 | November 2016 | |
| The Crown’s interest is represented before courts and tribunals | Percentage of litigation files that have a successful outcome (settled and adjudicated) | 70 | April 2016 |
Planning Highlights
In line with its mandate and the priority “To support the Government of Canada’s priorities through the delivery of high-quality legal services,” the Department will continue to support federal departments and agencies in the delivery of their legislative agenda in the areas of Economic Affairs, Social Affairs, International Affairs and Government Affairs.
In support of Economic Affairs, Justice will provide high-quality legal services to help implement initiatives that support a strong and stable Canadian economy. These include major infrastructure investments to support future prosperity, such as the construction of a new Windsor-Detroit crossing, as well as efforts to remove barriers to Canadian trade between provinces and territories and with foreign trading partners. In addition, the Department will provide legal services to help implement the Northern Strategy, the Federal Framework on Aboriginal Economic Development, the Specific Claims Action Plan: Justice at Last Initiative, the Beyond the Border Action Plan, reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and resource development projects involving multiple departments, including major oil sands, gas pipeline and Northern mining projects. Moreover, the Department will support the new regulatory framework for the Safe Food for Canadians Act, and the strengthening of safety and security oversight for the transportation of dangerous goods by rail.
In support of Social Affairs, through the implementation of the Victims Bill of Rights Act, the Department will continue to work to restore victims to their rightful place at the heart of the justice system. Justice will also provide legal services in support of amendments to the Tobacco Act to address flavouring and electronic cigarettes, as well as the new regime for access to marihuana for medical purposes. The Department will also assist the Government in preparing for the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, planning and organizing Canada's 150th anniversary celebrations and implementing measures adopted through the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act.
Initiatives supported by the Department in the area of International Affairs include the implementation of a comprehensive law-and-order agenda to combat crime, terrorism, and tax evasion and avoidance, incorporating extradition and mutual legal assistance. The Department will provide legal services in support of reforms to Canada’s economic sanctions regimes and programs to ensure the safety of citizens and to defend its sovereignty.
The Department will also support initiatives in the area of Government Affairs, such as amendments to private and public pension legislation and regulations. Moreover, the Department will provide legal services related to labour negotiations as Public Service collective agreements are being negotiated and litigation services in major litigation, such as the Government’s response to Charter challenges to the Expenditure Restraint Act, the Public Sector Equitable Compensation Act, and the Public Service Labour Relations Act.
Finally, the Department will continue to implement recommendations stemming from the Legal Services Review, which examined legal services delivery and management in the Government of Canada. The implementation of initiatives based on the recommendations will roll out on a three year horizon, ending in 2016-17, and focus on the following key commitments: redefining the Justice-Client relationship, streamlining the organization and managing business performance. The Department will, among other things, increase the use of paralegal employees, contain the cost of legal services by investing in new processes and technology, promote effective legal risk management, and align human resources with priorities.
Internal Services
Description
Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. Internal services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization, and not those provided to a specific program. The groups of activities are Management and Oversight Services, Communications Services, Legal Services (Corporate Counsel), Human Resources Management Services, Financial Management Services, Information Management Services, Information Technology Services, Real Property Services, Materiel Services and Acquisition Services.
| 2015–16 Main Estimates |
2015–16 Planned Spending |
2016–17 Planned Spending |
2017–18 Planned Spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86,551,092 | 117,522,777 | 97,067,259 | 96,711,944 |
| 2015–16 | 2016–17 | 2017–18 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,083 | 1,083 | 1,083 |
Planning Highlights
The Internal Services Program supports the Department’s efforts to achieve its two strategic outcomes: a fair, relevant and accessible Canadian justice system and a federal government that is supported by high-quality legal services. Over the coming fiscal year, the Department will continue to restructure its activities in response to the Government’s expenditure-management efforts. Initiatives under this Program will contribute directly to the departmental priority “to manage organizational transformation in support of business and legal excellence.”
With a focus on expenditure management and business excellence, and in building on the recently implemented Internal Services Consolidation Initiative, the Department will continue to further streamline and automate internal operations and leverage updated technology to enhance productivity, collaboration and increased efficiency. Specifically, based on recommendations from an internal review in 2014-15, the Department will implement a streamlined approach to the accounts payable process. In addition, as a result of lessons learned, the Department will implement a more streamlined planning process for the 2015-16 Departmental Travel, Hospitality, Conference and Events Expenditures. In regards to departmental security, the Department will continue to raise awareness about the many aspects of security, including educating employees about a safe and secure work environment.
With the support of the Internal Services Program, the Department will continue to implement commitments proposed in the recent Legal Services Review. From improved business analytics to measures respecting accommodations, Internal Services will support the Department’s priority “to continue to manage organizational transformation in support of business and legal excellence” and the Blueprint 2020 vision to create a capable, high-performing Public Service that embraces innovation, transformation and continuous renewal. In support of the commitment to enhance professional excellence within its legal community, the Department will continue to establish and implement the Professional Responsibility Service Initiative in 2015-16.
In support of other government-wide initiatives, the Department will continue to implement the new Performance Management Directive. Concurrently, the Department will make talent management a core corporate enterprise priority by strengthening performance management, instituting collective discussions on performance management, cascading Executive talent management below the Executive level, and supporting leadership development. With the Common Human Resources Business Process now in place, the Department will also continue to streamline human resources processes wherever possible and will develop a departmental action plan based on the results of the 2014 Public Service Employee Survey. The Department will contribute to the Government’s Web Renewal efforts, which will include the migration of its Web content to Canada.ca.
The Department will continue to implement its Information@Justice Strategy to modernize information practices, adopting a digital standard and supporting business transformation through innovative ways to manage information. The Department will also work closely with partners, such as the Treasury Board Secretariat of Canada and Shared Services Canada (SSC) in implementing the Government of Canada Information Management /Information Technology Modernization Agenda to improve efficiency in areas including cyber security, Email Transformation Initiative, telecommunications transformation, the adoption of common systems, including case management, and the migration of responsibilities to SSC for the provision of end-user software and hardware (workplace technology devices).
Finally, in support of the 2013-16 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, the Department will continue to implement its three-year Sustainable Development Strategy.
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