Operating Context

The Department of Justice Canada operates in an ever-evolving environment in which its legal, policy and program-related work is complex, dynamic and cross-cutting.

The Department must remain ready to respond to the accelerated pace at which policy and legal policy issues emerge or unfold, both domestically and internationally. Many social, economic, and demographic changes and trends, as well as the evolving geopolitical context, continue to have a broad impact on society, which in turn influences the legal services provided in support of client departments’ priorities, the practice of law, and the legislative and policy responses to justice issues. The Department remains committed to ensuring evidence-based and people-centred public policy and good governance that responds to people’s needs and serves the public interest.

Canadians’ expectations of institutions and the justice system are also changing. There are greater expectations for transparency, frequent communication and meaningful engagement with government. The evolving use of social media tools to access and respond to information on a wide range of social, legal, and justice-related issues offers opportunities to engage Canadians and capture the views of community partners, while also presenting challenges with online misinformation and disinformation.

In an era when justice issues often transcend borders, international engagement has become a key element of public policy development. As a result, the Department must work closely with many partners and stakeholders, both domestic and international, to achieve national objectives across a wide array of issues, including to advance efforts to address organized crime, strengthen national security and safeguard the economy. In addition, the Department’s participation in the efforts to strengthen the international legal framework is critical to ensure that Canadian values, approaches and constitutional constraints inform these discussions and shape the resulting norms and standards.

Ongoing technological advancements, such as those relating to artificial intelligence, are poised to significantly change the delivery of legal services. At the same time, these advancements pose ethical and regulatory concerns. The development of new legal frameworks, legislative policy or program responses may be required to responsibly address the adoption of these rapidly evolving technologies while respecting the privacy and ensuring the security of Canadians.