Programs and Initiatives

Overview

To achieve its strategic outcomes, the Department of Justice develops, provides guidance and implements policies, laws and programs in the areas of Aboriginal justice, criminal justice, family justice, access to justice and private international and public law.

The Department also provides responsive legal services and systems, including dispute prevention and resolution services, to government at large and to a number of portfolios: Justice; Aboriginal Affairs; Business and Regulatory Law; Central Agencies; Citizenship, Immigration and Public Safety; and Tax Law.

Programs and Initiatives

The Department of Justice strives to achieve its policy objectives through various means, including a number of ongoing and new program initiatives designed to provide a fair, effective, efficient and accessible justice system. Many of these initiatives are carried out in partnership with federal, provincial, territorial, municipal, international and non-governmental partners, including non-profit and volunteer organizations.

Visit the Programs Branch Web site for more information about specific funding programs administered by the Department.

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The following links provide further information on some specific areas of the Department's activities.

Aboriginal Justice

The Department develops and implements policy and laws aimed at addressing the needs of Aboriginal people in the justice system.

• Aboriginal Justice Strategy
• Aboriginal Courtwork Program

Access to Information and Privacy

Canada is one of a rapidly growing list of countries that have freedom of information and data protection legislation. The information presented on this site is intended to provide the user with resources related to Canadian laws and policies dealing with access to information and privacy, with a particular emphasis on the federal Access to Information Act and Privacy Act.

Access to Information and Privacy Office

Access to Justice

The Department promotes access to the justice system by working with provinces and territories, non-governmental and community-based organizations to develop and implement policies and laws that enhance access to justice, including access to justice in both official languages, while respecting the diverse nature and needs of all Canadians.

• Legal Aid Program
• Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund
  
• Francophonie, Justice in Official Languages and Legal Dualism
  
• The Legislative Instruments Re-enactment Act (LIRA)

Consultations

Public Consultations

Criminal Justice

The Department monitors trends in criminal law, develops and implements options for criminal law reform and provides a centre of expertise for criminal law and procedure, criminal justice policy, sentencing and victims issues.

• Criminal Conviction Review
• National Anti-Drug Strategy
• Drug Treatment Courts Funding Program
• Youth Justice Renewal
• Anti-Terrorism Act Review
• Canada's Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Program
• Trafficking in Persons
• Tackling Crime
• Criminal Law Reform
• Policy Centre for Victim Issues
• Victims Fund

Evaluations

Evaluation Reports

Family Justice

The Department develops and implements policy and program initiatives affecting Canadian families, children and young people.

• Family Orders and Agreement Enforcement Assistance Act
• Garnishment Attachment and Pension Diversion Act
• Divorce Act
• The Supporting Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce Initiative
• Child Support
• Family Violence Initiative

International Legal Programs

Justice Canada elaborates and implements programs that provide technical legal assistance in various countries engaged in reforming and strengthening their legal system. The Department of Justice manages international activities involving the participation of the Minister of Justice and senior officials, as well as the participation of foreign ministers or senior officials visiting Canada. In addition, the Department has long played a role in the area of international human rights law.

• International Development Group
• International Relations Group
• International Human Rights Law

Research

Research and Statistics

Sustainable Development

Justice Canada strives to ensure that Canada has an accessible, fair and effective system of justice that reflects Canadian values, through the development and management of policies and programs aligned with sustainable development (SD) principles and practices. Justice Canada also supports the Government with effective and responsible legal advice and services that consider SD principles, where appropriate.

Research and Reports