Gender-based Analysis Plus Supplementary Information Table: 2023–24 Departmental Results Report

Contents

• Section 1: Institutional GBA Plus Capacity
• Section 2: Gender and Diversity Impacts, by Program
  • Core Responsibility: Legal Services
    • Program Name: Advisory Services
    • Program Name: Legislative Services
    • Program Name: Litigation Services
  • Core Responsibility: Justice System Support
    • Program Name: Contraventions Regime
    • Program Name: Drug Treatment Court Funding Program
    • Program Name: Family Justice
    • Program Name: Indigenous Justice
    • Program Name: Justice System Partnerships
    • Program Name: Legal Policies, Laws and Governance
    • Program Name: Legal Representation
    • Program Name: Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime
    • Program Name: Victims of Crime
    • Program Name: Youth Justice
    • Program name: Internal Services
• Definitions

Section 1: Institutional GBA Plus Capacity

Governance

The Department of Justice Canada (Justice Canada) supports the Government of Canada’s commitments to Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) to help ensure that federal initiatives are informed by, and developed through, an intersectional lens. This contributes to the development of responsive and inclusive federal initiatives that reflect the experiences and realities of diverse groups of people. By addressing inequities and barriers, the Department promotes fairness, equity and inclusion. The Department continued to advance the implementation of an intersectional GBA Plus approach across all areas of work, in alignment with the GBA Plus Framework.

In 2023–24, departmental governance committees continued to actively engaged in strategic discussions about GBA Plus-related priorities so that intersectional considerations were integrated in a meaningful way into the decision-making process. In addition, the Department began development of an Intersectional Equity and Inclusion Guide to support the integration of GBA Plus and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) considerations in governance and decision-making.

The Department also continued to implement the key principles outlined in its Policy on Gender-Based Analysis Plus: Applying an Intersectional Approach to Foster Inclusion and Address Inequities (the Policy). The Policy promotes the effective integration of intersectional GBA Plus considerations by requiring that Justice Canada employees complete GBA Plus training and apply an intersectional GBA Plus approach systematically in their work to support evidence-based decisions. The Policy also clearly defines the accountabilities and responsibilities of all Justice Canada employees.

As the Department’s centre of expertise for GBA Plus, the GBA Plus Unit (the Unit) provides advice and guidance regarding integrating intersectional GBA Plus considerations into departmental initiatives, including in Memoranda to Cabinet, Budget Requests, Treasury Board Submissions, and other areas of work. The Unit contributes to ongoing horizontal initiatives, such as the development of the Justice Canada Implementation Plan for Canada’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. The Unit also supports the GBA Plus Champion in their work encouraging the active participation of employees in capacity-building activities and promoting innovative practices to enhance GBA Plus in key areas of work. Additionally, the Unit’s efforts are supported by the GBA Plus Action Team, a departmental working-level group that provides advice and guidance about improving and extending GBA Plus application, including a particular focus on strengthening GBA Plus in legal services. The Department also continued to promote the collection and use of disaggregated data to inform the development of evidence-based policies, programs and other initiatives, including advancing the Justice Data Modernization Initiative (JDMI)^{Footnote 1}.

To reinforce the application of an intersectional GBA Plus approach in performance measurement and reporting, the Unit provided advice and support to program officials in identifying meaningful indicators to assess the gender and diversity impacts of Justice Canada-led initiatives. For example, the Unit provides ongoing assistance to initiative leads throughout the review of the Performance Information Profiles, as well as various corporate reporting mechanisms, aiming to improve data collection plans and strengthen gender and diversity impact reporting.

To evaluate the progress and depth of GBA Plus assessments and to identify and address organizational needs related to GBA Plus capacity and resources, the Department continued to conduct annual evaluations through the GBA Plus Impact Assessment project^{Footnote 2}. This project measures the level of integration of intersectional GBA Plus considerations into Justice Canada-led initiatives by assessing indicators focused on the timely and meaningful incorporation of GBA Plus considerations. The project highlights successes, identifies best practices and uncovers gaps. Additionally, the findings are used to inform the Unit’s work, including the development of GBA Plus work plans and the establishment of new strategic priorities.

The Department also contributed to advancing the priorities outlined in the Gender Results Framework (GRF) through initiatives aimed at eliminating gender-based violence and promoting access to justice, among other goals. Examples of how departmental initiatives support GRF priorities are detailed in the program reports below.

Capacity

The Unit continued to enhance the Department’s GBA Plus capacity by developing resources and training aimed at raising awareness and improving the implementation of GBA Plus. For instance, the Unit organized engagement sessions to promote the use of the GBA Plus Guide for Canada’s Legal Team, which provides guidance on incorporating GBA Plus considerations into advisory, legislation and litigation work, featuring concrete examples and best practices.

Another key priority was creating training tailored to the specific needs of Justice Canada employees. The Unit worked in close collaboration with external experts and departmental legal professionals to develop the training content, including holding a series of engagement sessions. The first training module will focus on incorporating intersectional GBA Plus considerations into legal services and will include best practices and case studies.

To promote and strengthen the application of an intersectional GBA Plus approach across the federal government, Justice Canada officials organized or participated in various panels and trainings to strengthen the integration of intersectional considerations in federal initiatives.

Human resources (full-time equivalents) dedicated to GBA Plus

In 2023–24, the Department maintained the Unit (3 full-time equivalents), who are supported by a departmental GBA Plus Action Team (approximately 14 members) representing different departmental portfolios and fostering diverse perspectives to help raise awareness of GBA Plus across the Department. The GBA Plus Champion played a lead role in conveying key GBA Plus priorities and commitments across the organization.

Section 2: Gender and Diversity Impacts, by Program

Core Responsibility: Legal Services

Program Name: Advisory Services

Program Goals: To deliver high quality, responsive, timely and useful legal advisory services to federal departments and agencies supporting the advancement of government priorities, including those promoting EDI.

Target Population: Internal to the Government of Canada (federal departments and agencies)

Distribution of Benefits^{Footnote 3}

Specific Demographic Group Outcomes

While the Department provides legal advisory services to federal departments and agencies, in a broader sense all Canadians are the indirect end beneficiaries.

Key Program Impacts on Gender and Diversity

Key Program Impacts Statistics

Justice Canada provides legal advisory services to federal departments and agencies and contributes to the advancement of the outcomes described in the Departmental Results Framework. Direct program impacts are measured through the Justice Canada Legal Services Client Feedback Survey (CFS)^{Footnote 4} to identify strengths and areas where service improvements may be needed.

Other Key Program Impacts

The Department provided assistance to the Public Service Commission on a number of initiatives aimed at making the federal public service more inclusive and representative of the diversity of the Canadian population. For example, ongoing advice was provided on the implementation of the last amendments to the Public Service Employment Act, aiming to increase diversity and identify biases and barriers in the appointment system. These amendments came into force in July 2023. Additionally, in relation to the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act) Action Plan, released in June 2023, the Department continued to provide advice, tools and training across federal departments on the consistency of federal laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration) and on obligations to consult and cooperate with Indigenous peoples. The Aboriginal Law Centre and Legal Services Units across government departments have been providing regular advice in support of UN Declaration Act implementation. The UN Declaration Act has the potential to impact the majority of government programs and support the government’s reconciliation objectives.

Supplementary Information Sources

• Annual progress report on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (July 2024)

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan

The Advisory Services program supports the implementation of GBA Plus across the public service by integrating GBA Plus considerations, as relevant, into legal advice provided to government departments and agencies. Relevant data on impacts on gender and diversity is collected by the client departments and agencies leading the development and implementation of the specific initiative. In addition, Justice Canada measures client satisfaction with the integration of GBA Plus and EDI considerations into legal advisory services through the CFS. Furthermore, service users who indicated they were a person with a disability were asked to rate their level of satisfaction concerning accessibility of the Department’s legal services, including barrier-free communications, accessibility of the physical environment, and respectful interaction. The first set of partial results for these new indicators became available in March 2024 and can be found in the data table above. Full results are expected in March 2025. This new data will be used by the Department to assess the integration of GBA Plus considerations into legal advisory services, as relevant, and implement additional measures to enhance the process and address any concerns.

Program Name: Legislative Services

Program Goals: To deliver high quality, responsive, useful and timely legislative services to federal departments and agencies supporting the advancement of government priorities, including those promoting EDI.

Target Population: Internal to the Government of Canada (federal departments and agencies)

Distribution of Benefits

Specific Demographic Group Outcomes

While Justice Canada provides legislative and regulatory drafting services to federal departments and agencies, in a broader sense all Canadians are the indirect end beneficiaries.

Key Program Impacts on Gender and Diversity

Key Program Impacts Statistics

Justice Canada provides legislative and regulatory drafting services to federal departments and agencies and contributes to the advancement of the outcomes described in the Departmental Results Framework. Direct program impacts are measured through the CFS to identify strengths and areas where service improvements may be needed.

Other Key Program Impacts

Legal professionals provide high-quality bilingual and bijural legislative services to the government, including the drafting of government bills, government motions to amend bills before Parliament and proposed regulations and other statutory instruments. The co-drafting and revision processes are intended to ensure the highest quality of language in both French and English, thereby meeting the requirements under the Official Languages Act.

The Legislative Services program also updated the French language version of its guide on inclusive legislative drafting and released a new drafting note addressing the use of Indigenous names in the legislative corpus.

Supplementary Information Sources

• Evaluation of Legislative Services Program (2023)

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan

The Legislative Services program supports the implementation of GBA Plus across the public service by integrating GBA Plus considerations, as relevant, into legislative and regulatory drafting services provided to Government of Canada departments and agencies. To measure and report on impacts on gender and diversity, Justice Canada measures client satisfaction with the integration of GBA Plus and EDI considerations into legislative services through the CFS. Furthermore, service users who indicated they were a person with a disability were asked to rate their level of satisfaction concerning the accessibility of the Department’s legal services, including barrier-free communications, the accessibility of the physical environment, and respectful interaction. The first set of partial results for these new indicators became available in March 2024 and can be found in the data table above. Full results are expected in March 2025. This new data will be used by the Department to assess the integration of GBA Plus considerations into legislative services, as relevant, and implement additional measures to enhance the process and address any concerns.

Program Name: Litigation Services

Program Goals: To provide high quality bilingual and bijural litigation services to federal departments and agencies. Legal professionals work with their colleagues across Justice Canada to ensure the coherence and coordination of litigation, advisory, legislative, and policy services in specific legal areas.

Target Population: Internal to the Government of Canada (federal departments and agencies)

Distribution of Benefits

Specific Demographic Group Outcomes

While Justice Canada provides litigation services to federal departments and agencies, in a broader sense all Canadians are the indirect end beneficiaries.

Key Program Impacts on Gender and Diversity

Key Program Impacts Statistics

Justice Canada provides litigation services to federal departments and agencies and contributes to the advancement of the outcomes described in the Departmental Results Framework. Direct program impacts are measured through the CFS to identify strengths and where service improvements may be needed.

Other Key Program Impacts

GBA Plus principles are applied to the litigation program, as appropriate. The Department ensured a consistent approach to litigation related to sexual harassment, assault or misconduct, and harassment or discrimination in the workplace and provided support on the settlement of Indigenous childhood claims.

The Department delivered legal learning activities for legal professionals and client departments in adherence with accessibility requirements, such as offering hybrid training opportunities, providing sessions in both official languages, and providing American Sign Language (ASL) and Quebec Sign Language (LSQ) interpretation, as applicable.

Supplementary Information Sources

Evaluation of Litigation Services Program (2019)

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan

The Litigation Services program supports GBA Plus across the public service by integrating GBA Plus considerations, as relevant, into litigation services provided to federal departments and agencies. As a legal service provider instructing clients, advice is concentrated on legal risks (i.e., likelihood of adverse outcome) while other impacts on a litigation file, including GBA Plus assessments and data collection related to this, fall under the responsibility of client departments. With respect to providing legal advice on a file, litigators may indicate that the client should take into account GBA Plus considerations. Examples of files where this may take place include Charter litigation, gender-based or diversity litigation (e.g. harassment, exclusion) and settlement discussion, as appropriate.

To measure and report on impacts on gender and diversity of litigation services Justice Canada uses the CFS, which measures client satisfaction with the integration of GBA Plus and EDI considerations into litigation services, among other service standards. Furthermore, service users who indicated they were a person with a disability were asked to rate their level of satisfaction concerning the accessibility of the Department’s legal services, including barrier-free communications, the accessibility of the physical environment, and respectful interaction. The first set of partial results for these new indicators became available in March 2024 and can be found in the data table above. Full results are expected in March 2025. This new data will be used by the Department to assess the integration of GBA Plus considerations into litigation services, as relevant, and implement additional measures to enhance the process and address any concerns.

Core Responsibility: Justice System Support

Program Name: Contraventions Regime

Program Goals: This program includes the Contraventions Act Fund (the Fund) established by the federal government to ensure the implementation and administration of the Contraventions Act enforcement regime in a manner consistent with all applicable constitutional and legislative language rights and obligations. More concretely, the Fund aims to sustain access to justice in both official languages for all offenders by providing provinces and territories with the ability to deliver judicial activities and extra-judicial services in both official languages in conformity with the obligations set out under Part IV of the Official Languages Act and section 530 and 530.1 of the Criminal Code.

Target Population: Canadians who have received a federal contraventions ticket

Distribution of Benefits

Specific Demographic Group Outcomes

Alleged offenders are the ultimate beneficiaries^{Footnote 20} of the Contraventions Regime program through an efficient and effective justice system given their language rights within the context of a prosecution. More specifically, offenders who are members of official language minority groups are expected to have access to judicial activities and extra-judicial services in the official language of their choice.

Key Program Impacts on Gender and Diversity

Key Program Impacts Statistics

Other Key Program Impacts

In 2023–24, the provinces continued to fulfil official languages duties on behalf of the federal government by sustaining concrete measures meant to ensure that offenders’ language rights are respected. The Department provided funding to six provinces and one municipality to support them in safeguarding the official language rights of offenders. All trials requested by members of official language minority communities were held in the official language of their choice, which allowed the Fund to meet its obligation of providing offenders with judicial activities and extra-judicial services in the official language of their choice.

Supplementary Information Sources

• Evaluation of the Contraventions Act Program (2021)

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan

During 2023–24, the jurisdictions receiving funding continued to report on relevant GBA Plus data focused on understanding how obligations to official language minority communities are being fulfilled. For details, see the Key Program Impacts Statistics table above. Standardized templates for funding partners were put in place as part of the new funding agreements, which will contribute to improving the quality of the data collected. As new data is received, it is analysed to assess actions that could be taken, as needed, to address any barriers to accessing services in both official languages and identify potential improvements to data collection.

Program Name: Drug Treatment Court Funding Program

Program Goals: The Drug Treatment Court Funding Program (DTCFP) aims to reduce criminal recidivism related to substance use disorder through court-monitored treatment and community service support for eligible adult offenders. The DTCFP helps participants to lead healthier lives by breaking the cycle of substance use and criminal recidivism and also aims to promote and strengthen the use of alternatives to incarceration, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations.

Target Population: Eligible adult offenders who committed a crime as a result of a substance use disorder.

Distribution of Benefits

Specific Demographic Group Outcomes

Drug Treatment Court (DTC) programs are available to all Canadians who meet the selection criteria. Statistics show that for this reporting period the program had a greater beneficial impact for males between 30-49 years of age with a serious dependence on the illicit use of opiates, who form the majority of participants (see table below). In addition, the general public and community members are expected to benefit indirectly as the program contributes to making communities healthier and safer by reducing the criminal recidivism of participants who committed a crime due to a substance use disorder.

Key Program Impacts on Gender and Diversity

Key Program Impacts Statistics

Other Key Program Impacts

Indigenous people, who account for 5% of the Canadian population (2021 Census), are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, constituting 30% of adult admissions to provincial/territorial correctional services in 2022–23. Program data in the statistics table above shows that Indigenous persons benefit proportionately from the DTC programs, with 27% of new participants in the program in 2023–24 self-identifying as Indigenous.

In 2023–24, the DTCFP continued to include GBA Plus priorities in the meetings with provinces and territories, such as discussions on program eligibility criteria and its effects on the entry of Indigenous and marginalized participants, and the importance of offering services based on the specific needs of participants. Furthermore, supporting materials were shared with funding recipients, including for example a presentation on Indigenous sensitive practices in the courts and the role of Indigenous Courtworkers, as well as links to a webinar on “Pathways to inclusion: Advancing cultural safety in harm reduction”.

Supplementary Information Sources

• Evaluation of the Drug Treatment Court Funding Program (2021)

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan

The DTCFP is in the process of replacing its database with a new DTCIS database that includes standard demographic survey questions on gender, age, Indigenous identity, race and ethnicity with a view to collecting data that will inform equity and evidence-based policy objectives. The new database is in development and is expected to be fully implemented by the end of fiscal year 2024–25.

As part of the application process to renew the 2023–28 agreements, the provinces and territories were asked to explain in their application form how they will integrate an intersectional GBA Plus approach to improve access to DTCs for diverse individuals, such as Indigenous, Black and other racialized people who are overrepresented in the criminal justice system. The new funding agreements require that provinces and territories report through the recently launched federal database and disaggregate the data collected by GBA Plus identity factors such as age group, gender, Indigenous identity, race and ethnicity.

Program Name: Family Justice

Program Goals: This program includes the Canadian Family Justice Fund (CFJF), whose overall purpose and objective is to facilitate access to the family justice system for families experiencing separation and divorce and ensure that the justice system is responsive to the needs of families, children and youth, and operates with fairness and efficiency.

Target Population: Canadian families experiencing separation and divorce

Distribution of Benefits

Specific Demographic Group Outcomes

The direct beneficiaries of the activities of the Family Justice program are Canadian families, children and youth, while all Canadians are indirect beneficiaries.

Key Program Impacts on Gender and Diversity

Key Program Impacts Statistics

Other Key Program Impacts

Through the CFJF, Justice Canada provides funding for Supervised Parenting Time and Exchange services. This program promotes the safety and well-being of parents and children during exchanges and visits with a parent who may pose a risk of harm due to issues such as domestic violence, substance abuse, or mental health concerns. This program is particularly relevant in cases where there are concerns about gender-based violence (GBV), which has a disproportionate impact on women, young women and girls, Indigenous Peoples, 2SLGBTQI+ and gender diverse people, women living in northern, rural, and remote communities, and women living with disabilities.

Supplementary Information Sources

• Evaluation of Federal Support for Family Justice: Canadian Family Justice Fund (2023)

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan

In 2023–24, program officials finalized updating the exit surveys, namely the Family Mediation Service and the Parenting Education Program surveys, with added focus on GBA Plus related questions. New demographic questions were added to gather data on the following identity factors: Indigenous identity, gender identity, race/ethnicity and others. Additionally, in the Parent Education Exit Survey, the categories 'Mother' and 'Father' were updated to 'Parent' to enhance inclusivity. The terms 'Guardian' and 'Caregiver' were also added, reflecting broader, more commonly used responses based on data from previous years.

The annual feedback received through the new reporting templates will ensure consistency and completeness of data reported by provinces and territories, as well as non-governmental organizations. The updated reporting templates will be launched by the end of June 2025.

Program Name: Indigenous Justice

Program Goals: The three grant and contribution programs under Indigenous Justice, the Indigenous Justice Program (IJP), the Indigenous Courtwork Program (ICW) and Indigenous Partnership Fund (IPF) operate recognizing the long and complex history of colonialism, displacement, and residential schools, which continue to negatively impact Indigenous peoples and has led to higher levels of incarceration and victimization. IJP supports community-based justice programs that offer alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances. Programming reflects the justice values, traditions and culture of their community and contributes to addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system, both as victims and offenders. The objective of the ICW is to provide assistance to Indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system to obtain, fair, just, equitable and culturally relevant treatment. The IPF supports ongoing consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples to implement the UN Declaration, the 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.

Target Population: For the IJP and ICW: Indigenous individuals in contact with the justice system, in particular accused persons and offenders, as well as all Canadians, Indigenous Peoples and specifically Indigenous-led organizations located in Canada.

For IPF: First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, representative institutions and organizations.

Distribution of Benefits^{Footnote 23}

Specific Demographic Group Outcomes

The direct beneficiaries of the activities of the Indigenous Justice program are Indigenous people involved with the justice system as victims as well as offenders/accused, including Indigenous women and girls and Indigenous youth, as well as Indigenous-led organizations. Indigenous communities and all Canadians are indirect beneficiaries.

Key Program Impacts on Gender and Diversity

Key Program Impacts Statistics

Other Key Program Impacts

Indigenous Justice Program

In 2023–24, the Department supported over 211 Indigenous-led community-based justice programs across the country enabling Indigenous communities to design and lead culturally competent programs addressing local needs. The IJP supported 42 project agreements focused on community-determined mediation, dispute resolution, healing, and intervention programming for youth, families, intimate partners and/or community members, contributing to healthier family relationships, reduced contact with the child protection system and crime prevention. Additionally, the IJP funded 33 community-based justice programs providing post-sentence Gladue aftercare, helping individuals meet sentencing conditions and address past trauma through healing support.

Indigenous Courtwork Program

The Department expanded support for Indigenous people in the criminal justice system by providing additional funding for Indigenous family courtwork services (IFCS) and for the delivery of Gladue reports. Gladue reports offer comprehensive information on Indigenous accused/offenders, including a healing and restorative justice plan to help inform reasonable options and alternatives. Budget 2024 announced ongoing funding for IFCS dedicated to helping Indigenous families understand and navigate family and criminal court processes and connect with community resources. IFCS also increase the courts’ understanding of Indigenous cultures, languages and traditions.

Indigenous Partnership Fund

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 participate in UN Declaration Act and Action Plan implementation. Specifically, the IPF supported core capacity of three national Indigenous women’s organizations including the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak and Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada to ensure their active participation in UN Declaration Act implementation, promoting gender equality and empowerment of Indigenous women within their communities so that women’s issues are well represented in consultation and cooperation between the Government of Canada and Indigenous partners.

Supplementary Information Sources

• Evaluation of the Indigenous Justice Program (2021)
• Evaluation of the Indigenous Courtwork Program (2023)

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan

In 2023–24, the IJP continued to provide training to funding recipients to improve the reporting of disaggregated data on a broader range of program activities. In addition, the IJP continued the implementation of a new online data collection tool, which is expected to further improve the quality of the data collected.

The ICW improved the information gathered through ICW agreements, including the collection of data related to recent funding for Family Courtwork services. Additionally, with regard to Gladue reports, ICW staff met with internal and external justice partners to improve data collection and reporting accuracy, including the expansion of GBA Plus considerations and updates to reporting templates.

The IPF collects disaggregated data by types of Indigenous governments and organizations funded (e.g. distinctions-based; regional; representing diverse interest-based communities). To improve data collection, IPF applicants are encouraged to identify the specific groups they will be serving, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit groups or organizations; organizations representing Indigenous women, youth, Elders, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons, urban Indigenous organizations and other Indigenous-led organizations.

Program Name: Justice System Partnerships

Program Goals: The overall objectives of the Justice System Partnerships program are to increase the capacity of the justice system and its stakeholders to offer justice related services, including services in both official languages; and to increase awareness and knowledge among justice stakeholders and Canadians of their rights and responsibilities and justice issues related to language minorities, family violence, and other emerging trends and issues related to access to justice.

Target Population: All Canadians

Distribution of Benefits

Specific Demographic Group Outcomes

Canadians, including official language minority communities, are the ultimate beneficiaries of the activities carried out under the Justice System Partnership program, which aims to ensure all Canadians have equal access to justice. The population subgroups targeted by the specific program activities may include, but are not limited to, Indigenous people and bilingual youth wishing to study law, family violence victims, immigrants, minority groups, and self-represented litigants. The initiatives under the Program also benefit bilingual justice professionals such as judges, attorneys, clerks, bailiffs and probation officers, among others, by providing them with various resources, training and other knowledge products to improve their linguistic capabilities, and build awareness and knowledge related to access to justice issues.

Key Program Impacts on Gender and Diversity

Key Program Impacts Statistics

Other Key Program Impacts

Justice Partnership and Innovation Program (JPIP)

In 2023–24, the Legal Services and Supports for Racialized Communities initiative provided legal advice to clients from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, with the majority of clients self-identifying as Black or of Asian descent. The initiative also developed 71 new legal education resources in over 10 languages. JPIP supported projects offering independent legal advice and legal representation services for victims of intimate partner violence, which developed 50 new targeted services both in urban and rural communities, using virtual and in-person methods to improve accessibility. Two new Community Justice Centres (CJCs) integrating justice and social services were funded in Manitoba to support First Nations and Métis communities. Additionally, JPIP supported 21 Indigenous law projects to develop and revitalize Indigenous legal traditions.

Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund

In 2023–24, four gender specific projects for women in official language minority communities were funded by the Support Fund. For example, the Réseau Femmes du Sud-Ouest de l’Ontario undertook two projects to provide judicial information to francophone women through workshops, training, and podcasts. The Réseau des chercheures africaines led a study on issues that francophone immigrant women in the Greater Toronto Area face when seeking access to justice. Angels of Hope Against Human Trafficking delivered a project offering free legal information and support to francophone women survivors of human trafficking, helping them navigate the justice system.

Supplementary Information Sources

• Evaluation of the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program (2023)
• Evaluation of the Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Initiative (2021)

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan

In 2023–24, the JPIP continued to enhance its data collection plan, including by implementing two client surveys for victims receiving independent legal advice and legal representation and for organizations providing legal advice and supports to racialized communities. Both surveys collect data disaggregated by gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age and geographic location. This data will provide evidence about the need for specific services, while also identifying possible barriers and accessibility issues that certain groups may be facing. In addition, the CJC initiative collects client data disaggregated by age, ethnicity and gender, which could be used for the development of tailored services targeting the most impacted groups.

The Action Plan for Official languages 2023–2028, to which Justice Canada is a contributor, was launched in April 2023 to defend and promote the two official languages as an important symbol of the diversity and inclusiveness of society. The Department supported the implementation of GBA Plus recommendations to address data gaps in the Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund by requiring organizations to develop a disaggregated data collection plan as part of their funding applications, where relevant. To improve GBA Plus data collection, the Support Fund implemented an updated reporting template to collect disaggregated GBA Plus data in January 2024.

Program Name: Legal Policies, Laws and Governance

Program Goals: The Legal Policies, Laws and Governance program develops and coordinates justice-related federal legislative reforms, policy options and initiatives, and provides policy advice on these matters. This program also supports the Cabinet/Parliamentary processes and engagement, and collaborates with stakeholders, including federal, provincial and territorial officials, national and international stakeholders and non-governmental organizations. The ultimate goal of this program is to ensure that laws and policies abide by the rule of law and promote respect for rights and a fair, accessible and relevant legal framework in Canada.

Target Population: All Canadians

Distribution of Benefits

Specific Demographic Group Outcomes

The ultimate beneficiaries of the activities of this program are predominantly Canadians, but also people residing in Canada who are in contact with the justice system. Specific social groups that are overrepresented in the justice system, either as victims or offenders/accused, such as women, Indigenous peoples, and Black and other racialized groups, may experience greater benefits. Additionally, to identify and address unintended impacts and systemic barriers that diverse groups may face, the Department actively seeks the participation in collaboration, engagement and consultation initiatives of women, gender-diverse people, Black persons, youth, as well as diverse Indigenous voices, including Indigenous women, Elders and youth, among other groups.

Key Program Impacts on Gender and Diversity

Key Program Impacts Statistics

The National Justice Survey is a periodic public opinion research survey conducted to explore Canadians’ perceptions and knowledge of justice-related issues.

Other Key Program Impacts

UN Declaration Act

The UN Declaration Act Action Plan, released by the Government of Canada in June 2023, sets out a wide-ranging, whole-of-government roadmap to achieve the objectives of the UN Declaration and, to implement the rights and principles it sets out to further advance reconciliation in a tangible way. It contains 181 measures, which reflect priorities put forward by Indigenous partners across regions, distinctions (i.e., First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) and diversity groups, including Indigenous women, youth, Elders, 2SLGBTQI+, persons with disabilities and urban Indigenous people.

The Second Annual Progress Report on the Implementation of the UN Declaration Act, tabled in Parliament in July 2023, highlighted the progress made towards ensuring the consistency of laws with the UN Declaration, the development of the Action Plan in collaboration with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, and ongoing initiatives, programs, and policies that support federal implementation of the UN Declaration. Seventeen Indigenous partners contributed to the report, as well as 39 government departments and agencies.

Indigenous Justice Strategy (IJS)

Justice Canada continued to lead the development of the IJS, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous partners, provinces and territories, to address systemic discrimination and the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system. To advance this work, $11 million in funding was provided to 38 Indigenous governments, communities and organizations - reflecting the diversity of Indigenous perspectives - to undertake their own independent engagement with their members and citizens. Justice Canada also consulted directly with a diverse representation of Indigenous voices through two waves of engagement, consisting of virtual dialogue sessions and in-person gatherings held across all regions of the country. There were also 14 in-person sessions held at 11 federal correctional institutions and three community-run Section 81 Healing Lodges. The outcomes of this broad and inclusive engagement process, summarized in What We Learned Reports published online, informed the development of an IJS Key Elements Consultation Draft, which is the Department’s first effort to consolidate what we have learned from Indigenous partners into a shared plan forward.

Reconciliation

The Department continued to strive to develop innovative approaches to support Indigenous justice systems, guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice. For example, the Department has expanded the scope of its funding and support to families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people so that it is inclusive of men and boys to ensure they also have access to culturally grounded support to help them overcome the systemic, structural and geographic barriers they face when seeking access to information about their loved ones. Additionally, the Department supported a national network for those working with families to share information on best practices in outreach, trauma-informed practices, and partnership building. Funding was also allocated for the revitalization of Indigenous legal systems, a key element in advancing reconciliation and supporting self-determination, as it demonstrates respect for Indigenous rights and has the potential to empower Indigenous women and elevate their role within the community, fostering greater equity and inclusion.

Canada’s Black Justice Strategy

The external Steering Group, established in February 2023 to provide strategic advice on the development of Canada’s Black Justice Strategy, produced the Framework for the Strategy in September 2023 to guide engagements and consultations with Black communities. In fall 2023, 12 Black-led organizations coordinated and led engagement and consultations with Black communities in nine provinces and territories across the country. In addition, to facilitate accessibility, the Department created an online survey for those who were unable to participate in consultations in their jurisdictions. Participants reflected the various intersectionalities within Black communities and included youth, adults, elders, women, members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, immigrants, newcomers and refugees, francophones, and members of religious minorities. In March 2024, the external Steering Group rendered its report identifying concrete actions to address anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination in the criminal justice system. The Department is working on the development of the Government of Canada’s response to the Report.

Anti-Racism Policy

Justice Canada’s Anti-Racism Policy, entitled "Equality for all: Embrace diversity and inclusion, eradicate racism", launched in March 2024, supports ongoing departmental efforts to eliminate racism in our work and mitigate its effects on the people we serve by implementing an anti-racism lens in legal, policy and program work. This is an important milestone for the Department and the result of rigorous efforts, extensive consultations and engagement with diverse stakeholder groups to ensure the inclusion of a broad range of perspectives and efficient measures to address the effects of discrimination and inequities.

Human Rights

In July 2023, Justice Canada launched a Child Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) tool and e-learning course to help federal officials consider all potential direct or indirect effects of a proposed initiative on children and their rights. The CRIA tool is grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and supports evidence-based decision-making and good public policy, complementing GBA Plus for initiatives that affect children.

The Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance (2007 Child Support Convention) entered into force for Canada in February 2024, following the deposit of its instrument of ratification in October 2023. This means that the number of countries with which Canada can establish, vary or enforce child (and spousal) support orders will increase and more children and families will benefit. Canadian support enforcement data show that over 90% of support payors are men and over 90% of recipients are women. Based on this, men who default on their support obligations may experience more pressure to pay, and women, who are more likely to lead single-parent families and experience greater economic challenges following separation and divorce, may see support payments increase.

Victims of Crime

The Department worked with partners to develop up-to-date victim-focused resources and tools to enhance the capacity of criminal justice professionals to work with victims and survivors of crime in a trauma-informed manner. In 2023–24, this work involved developing tools focused on two key areas: the experiences of victims of human trafficking, and the experiences of victims of hate crime. The Department also delivered 15 free web-based learning opportunities to increase awareness of a range of ongoing and emerging victim and survivor issues such as human trafficking, hate crimes and providing culturally responsive services for Indigenous victims and survivors of crime.

International Engagement

Justice Canada participated in the development and successful negotiation of the first resolution on Equal Access to Justice for All, which Canada tabled at the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in May 2023. The resolution was adopted in plenary by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2023 and promotes the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by advancing an approach that puts the needs of individuals at the centre of the design and implementation of criminal justice systems.

The Department also supported the development of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Toolkit on Mainstreaming Gender and Human Rights in the Implementation of the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and its Protocols, which was launched in 2023. Furthermore, the Department promoted the inclusion of provisions on gender mainstreaming in the United Nations Cybercrime Treaty and in the Equal Access to Justice for All Resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations.

Supplementary Information Sources

• National Justice Survey 2023
• Annual progress report on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2023)
• Indigenous Justice Strategy
• Canada’s Black Justice Strategy
• Evaluation of the Reconciliation Secretariat (2023)
• Canada’s State of the Criminal Justice System

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan

To support the application of GBA Plus to criminal justice programs, policies and legislation, the State of the Criminal Justice System initiative released its youth-adapted framework in May 2023, providing data on the youth criminal justice system. In addition, a new population-based theme on youth was added to the State of the Criminal Justice System Dashboard providing contextual information on youth experiences with the criminal justice system, as victims, survivors, accused and offenders. Where available, disaggregated data on youth is presented with other intersecting characteristics such as age, Indigeneity, and ethnicity.

Furthermore, under the JDMI, the Department began to commission and conduct research that uses data science to examine the potential for social interventions, both within and outside the justice sector, to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous and racialized people in the criminal justice system. For example, work began with Statistics Canada to develop a simulation model of flows into and out of the criminal justice system. The prototype is expected to be completed by 2024–25. The model will help project the potential for programs, policies and legislation to reduce overrepresentation in the criminal justice system. Additional projects under the JDMI are expected through 2025–26 and aim to further use disaggregated data.

Gender and diversity data related to the Justice Canada-led engagement sessions with Indigenous partners on the UN Declaration Act Action Plan are also collected. The most recent data are published in the 2023 Annual Progress Report.

Program Name: Legal Representation

Program Goals: The goals of the Legal Representation program are to improve access to justice for economically disadvantaged individuals and help ensure that the Canadian justice system is fair, efficient and accessible, and that public confidence in the justice system is maintained.

Target Population:

Criminal Legal Aid: economically disadvantaged adults and youth, including vulnerable populations (Indigenous peoples, individuals from Black and other racialized communities, and individuals suffering from mental health and addiction issues).

Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid: economically disadvantaged immigrants and refugees (non-official language speakers, members of racialized communities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals).

Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs): economically disadvantaged adults and youth from Black and other racialized communities eligible for criminal legal aid.

Workplace Sexual Harassment: women, Indigenous women, racialized women, youth, newcomer, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, low-income women in precarious employment.

Distribution of Benefits

Specific Demographic Group Outcomes

The Legal Representation program supports provincial and territorial governments and legal aid service providers, in providing access to legal advice and representation for economically disadvantaged individuals and uses an individual’s income as the main factor to determine eligibility to receive legal aid. As males (adults and youth), Indigenous persons, members of Black and other racialized communities, persons with mental health issues and those with cognitive impairments are over-represented in the criminal justice system, these groups, along with immigrants and refugees (for immigration and refugee legal aid) benefit more from legal aid. Women, especially low-income women in precarious employment, young women, newcomer and ethnocultural minority women, Indigenous women, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals are disproportionately impacted by workplace sexual harassment and are the primary beneficiaries of legal advice in cases of sexual harassment in the workplace.

Key Program Impacts on Gender and Diversity

Key Program Impacts Statistics

Other Key Program Impacts

With more than 100 IRCAs funded by Justice Canada, Black and other racialized Canadians had better access to IRCAs so that the systemic racism they faced could be taken into consideration when decisions are made about them in the justice system. Training provided to judges and other justice system professionals raised awareness and understanding of IRCAs to ensure fair outcomes for Black and other racialized people.

Increased criminal legal aid funding was provided in 2023–24 to address the overrepresentation of vulnerable groups before the criminal courts, in particular Indigenous peoples, members of Black and other racialized communities, and individuals with mental health and/or substance use issues. Additionally, increased funding was provided to address pressures and ensure continued access to immigration and refugee legal aid services for asylum seekers and individuals involved in certain immigration proceedings.

2023–24 marked the final year of five-year funding for the Workplace Sexual Harassment initiative. This initiative supported complainants of sexual harassment in the workplace across the country and contributed to creating inclusive, safe and healthy workplaces for all. In particular, it supported women, Indigenous women, low-income women in precarious employment, people with disabilities, newcomers and immigrants, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, who are more at-risk of experiencing workplace sexual harassment.

Supplementary Information Sources

• Legal Aid in Canada 2022–23
• Evaluation of the Legal Aid Program (2021)
• Evaluation of the Legal Support and Awareness to Address Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Initiative (2023)

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan

In 2023–24, departmental officials continued to work with provinces, territories and legal aid service providers to promote better data collection efforts to enhance and report on GBA Plus impacts and outcomes. The Department highlighted the importance of collecting legal aid data on over-represented populations (i.e., Indigenous peoples, individuals from Black and other racialized communities, and persons with mental health and/or substance abuse issues), pointing out that disaggregated data helps address gaps in services for these groups.

The Legal Representation program also collects GBA Plus data for the IRCA component, including data related to age, gender, official language, and ethnicity of legal aid clients who received an IRCA. Furthermore, disaggregated data by geographic area, gender, race/ethnicity, level of education and income is also collected under the workplace sexual harassment initiative. Disaggregated data helps legal aid organizations and program officials to identify specific needs and gaps in services disproportionately affecting diverse populations and enables the delivery of more efficient legal services. In addition, legal aid program representatives meet annually to review and update the annual reporting package, which provides an opportunity to identify and report on data collection barriers and make improvements in an effort to ensure consistent data collection across all jurisdictions.

Program Name: Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime

Program Goals: The objective of the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) is to improve the access for victims and survivors of crime to information about their rights, existing federal programs and services, and also ensure an impartial review process to address their complaints about federal programs, services, laws or policies regarding victims of crime.

In addition, the program works to promote access by victims to existing federal programs and services for victims by providing them with information and referrals. The OFOVC works to identify and review emerging and systemic issues that negatively impact victims and survivors of crime.

Target Population: All Canadians, with a specific focus on victims and survivors of crime

Distribution of Benefits

Specific Demographic Group Outcomes

The direct beneficiaries of the program are victims and survivors of crime, including members of overrepresented groups such as women, Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized individuals, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, persons with disabilities and others. Additionally, indirect beneficiaries are the families of the victims and survivors of crime.

Key Program Impacts on Gender and Diversity

Key Program Impacts Statistics

Other Key Program Impacts

In 2023–24, the OFOVC engaged with stakeholders and clients to inform its recommendations to government on intimate partner violence, sexual assault and femicide, with a focus on upholding victims' and survivors' rights. Key initiatives included influencing changes to the Criminal Code’s Victim Impact Statement form and enhancing victims' and survivors' access to their rights under the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights. In March 2024, the OFOVC launched a systemic investigation into the experiences of sexual assault survivors with the criminal justice system, including extensive outreach and consultation with diverse groups of survivors, as well as other experts, stakeholders and government institutions.

Supplementary Information Sources

• OFOVC Recommendations to government
• OFOVC Statements
• Systemic Investigation - Survivors of sexual assault
• Worthy of Information and Respect: Improving Support for Victims of Crime: A response to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (JUST)

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan

In 2023–24, the OFOVC continued working with Justice Canada on the procurement of a new case management system (CMS) and the development of an online complaint form that will improve the program’s capacity to report on gender and diversity impacts. The new CMS will also help assess gaps and trends for certain areas including gender, race, ethnicity, and Indigenous identities. The new disaggregated data will help identify which victim groups need more support, including underserved groups such as racialized communities, Black persons and Indigenous peoples. It will also inform the development of a targeted approach to apprise these groups of their rights to information, protection, participation, and to seek restitution. Increasing their awareness of the benefits of registering as a victim, and their right to file a complaint with the OFOVC will help avoid revictimization. Subject to funding, the new CMS is planned to be operational by the end of 2024–25.

Program Name: Victims of Crime

Program Goals: The Federal Victims Strategy (FVS) is a cross-cutting initiative that undertakes three inter-related strategic activities: criminal law reform; policy development and federal leadership; and program development and delivery. As an important part of the FVS, the Justice Canada Victims Fund supports the objective of giving victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system. In order to achieve this objective, initiatives funded under the Victims Fund are designed to consider a broad range of factors and conditions that influence the justice system such as reducing hardship for victims of crime, increasing their participation in the criminal justice system and increasing access to services for victims.

Target Population: Victims of crime and more broadly all Canadians

Distribution of Benefits

Specific Demographic Group Outcomes

Victims and survivors of crime are the ultimate direct beneficiary of this program’s activities, including members of overrepresented groups such as women, Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized individuals. In addition, most of the work on victims and survivors of crime is undertaken in partnership with other stakeholders or through support to Parliament. This includes organisations delivering victim services, victims’ advocacy organizations, as well as criminal justice system and allied professionals.

Key Program Impacts on Gender and Diversity

Key Program Impacts Statistics

Other Key Program Impacts

Funding through Budget 2023 provided increased access to Indigenous-led victims services and supports, including a new, ongoing investment in Indigenous-led, culturally safe, survivor-centred services and supports at the community level, and partnerships between Indigenous agencies, governments, and justice agencies to create or strengthen practices helping to reduce the systemic harm experienced by Indigenous victims and survivors and to strengthen victims’ rights. This will support the implementation of government-wide priorities, including the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan.

Supplementary Information Sources

• Evaluation of the Justice Canada Federal Victims Strategy (2021)
• Statistics Canada data tables on victimization
• Victims of Crime Research Digest N0.16 (2023)

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan

In 2023–24, Victims Fund recipients started using the new reporting tools for the first time. With a view to ensure consistent and fulsome data collection, this new reporting template is being adapted to each of the Victims Fund’s components (e.g. human trafficking, Child Advocacy Centres, independent legal advice and independent legal representation for victims of sexual assault, Indigenous supports, etc.) and a client survey is being administered by the victim serving organisations. These updated tools allow for the disaggregation of data by age, gender, ethnicity, sexual identity, language and location and will continue to be used by the program to identify and address gaps and barriers faced by victims and survivors of crime who are in contact with the criminal justice system. The new data was reflected in annual reporting starting in June 2023 and will be collated following the June 2024 reporting season.

Program Name: Youth Justice

Program Goals: Under this program, three funding programs support federal youth justice priorities (i.e., the Youth Justice Services Funding Program [YJSFP], the Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision [IRCS] Program and the Youth Justice Fund [YJF]). The ultimate goals of the Youth Justice program include improved responsiveness of the youth justice system and support for a fair and accessible youth justice system.

Target Population: The general youth justice population (aged 12 to 17 at the time of the offence) is the primary target for this programming.

Distribution of Benefits

Specific Demographic Group Outcomes

The ultimate beneficiary of the programming is youth involved in the criminal justice system and more specifically members of sub-groups overrepresented in the criminal justice system, which includes young men, Indigenous men and female youth and other racialized youth populations such as Black youth.

Key Program Impacts on Gender and Diversity

Key program impact statistics

Other Key Program Impacts

In 2023–24, the YJF supported several projects that assisted marginalized and Indigenous youth. For example, the Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association (ARJAA) received funding for their project “Rising Together: Reimagining the Referral System for Restorative Justice in Abbotsford”. The project included community engagement activities to revamp the ARJAA’s referral system and a mentorship program for justice-involved youth with the goal of implementing a new youth-centered restorative justice program. The ARJAA applied an intersectional lens at all steps of the project, and their staff and volunteers received training on cultural competencies and trauma-informed care to deliver safe programming for all youth, including from racialized backgrounds and those facing gender-related issues.

Supplementary Information Sources

• Evaluation of the Youth Justice Initiative (2021)
• Statistics Canada data tables for youth corrections
• Admissions to youth corrections, by visible minority group and sex
• State of the Criminal Justice System Report: A Focus on Youth (2024)

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan

As part of the State of the Criminal Justice System Initiative, the Department published the 2024 State of the Criminal Justice System Report: A Focus on Youth data report, providing data and analysis on the performance of the youth criminal justice system from 2017-18 to 2021–22. The report explores measures of community safety; public awareness and confidence in the youth criminal justice system; court operations and efficiencies; trends in the use of incarceration and community-based resolutions; and the overrepresentation of Indigenous youth and Black youth in the criminal justice system.

Program name: Internal Services

Program goals: Internal Services provide support services to employees and management allowing the Department to meet its corporate obligations and deliver its programs. Internal Services promote EDI within the Department by providing services and resources to employees and management, including on workplace harassment prevention and support to all employees including members of equity-seeking groups.

Target population: Justice Canada employees

Distribution of Benefits

Specific Demographic Group Outcomes

Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of racialized groups, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, students and newcomers/immigrants directly benefit from the targeted recruitment initiatives and creation of inventory pools implemented by the Department. In addition, the Department is modernizing its internal services to improve accessibility, with the goal of removing and preventing barriers faced by persons with disabilities.

Key Program Impacts on Gender and Diversity

Key Program Impact Statistics

Other Key Program Impacts

Accessibility: The Annual Progress Report on Justice Canada’s Accessibility Plan was published in December 2023, demonstrating the progress made in identifying, removing, and preventing barriers for persons with disabilities at Justice Canada. The Department implemented several initiatives to eliminate barriers to accessibility including: the publication of Building Accessibility Guides, the launch of a testing guide to assess old and new information technology systems, as well as a new reporting functionality and a compliance review process for tracking and monitoring the use of accessibility considerations in procurement.

Culture of Inclusivity: In 2023–24, the Department offered training for employees on diverse topics aimed at reducing racism and discrimination, such as Islamophobia Awareness, Antisemitism Awareness, Anti-Black Racism, Cultivating Safe Spaces and a Psychological Understanding of Bias & The Impact on Racism and Marginalization.

Harassment and Violence Prevention: The Harassment and Violence Prevention Program provides a safe and confidential space to report and/or discuss incidents of harassment and violence, which includes incidents related to the prohibited grounds for discrimination under the Canadian Human Rights Act. Additional resources, tools and support are also available to all Justice Canada employees.

GBA Plus Data Collection Plan

In 2023–24, the Department started using a benchmarking method developed in collaboration with Statistics Canada using their advanced dynamic population projection model to project active labour force data and put in place future-oriented hiring targets. Additionally, Justice Canada launched a new questionnaire, combining Self-Identification and Self-Declaration Questionnaires, to obtain consent from employees to use their information to inform targeted human resources programs and processes. This questionnaire included data collection for the Black and 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Justice Canada is one of the first departments to collect this data for statistical and human resources purposes.

Definitions

Target Population: See Finance Canada definition of Target Group in the User Instructions for the GBA Plus Departmental Summary)

Gender Scale:

• First group: Predominantly men (e.g., 80 per cent or more men)
• Second group: 60 per cent – 79 per cent men
• Third group: Broadly gender-balanced
• Forth group: 60 per cent – 79 per cent women
• Fifth group: Predominantly women (e.g., 80 per cent or more women)

Income Level Scale:

• First group: Strongly benefits low-income individuals (Strongly progressive)
• Second group: Somewhat benefits low-income individuals (Somewhat progressive)
• Third group: No significant distributional impacts
• Forth group: Somewhat benefits high income individuals (Somewhat regressive)
• Fifth group: Strongly benefits high income individuals (Strongly regressive)

Age Group Scale:

• First group: Primarily benefits youth, children and/or future generations
• Second group: No significant inter-generational impacts or impacts generation between youth and seniors
• Third group: Primarily benefits seniors or the baby boom generation