2019-20 Departmental Plan
Minister's Message
I am pleased to present the Department of Justice’s Departmental Plan for 2019-20.
This year’s plan provides detailed information on the Department’s activities and our plans and priorities for 2019-20. The report details the results we are planning to deliver for Canadians and the transformations we would like to introduce to the justice system. The Departmental Plan also provides information on our programs and services for Canadians, states our priorities, and assesses our progress in meeting our commitments and the Government’s priorities.
A key focus for the Department of Justice continues to be the Department’s review of the criminal justice system. This review aims to transform the criminal justice system while maintaining respect for the rule of law, improving access to justice and strengthening our commitment to protecting victims as well as fundamental rights and freedoms. The Department will continue to integrate the suggestions arising from this review to date, including by examining changes to sentencing and the use of restorative justice, and by promoting approaches that are victim-centered, trauma-informed, and focused on addressing the root causes of crime.
It is vitally important that Justice continue to support the Government’s duty to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law and to advance related domestic and international legal and policy interests through the development of public law policy. In this regard, the Department will continue to develop, advance and support legislation aimed at helping Canadians and their communities by upholding the rule of law and better protecting Indigenous rights, individual rights and freedoms and vulnerable populations. The Department will continue to help families and legal professionals understand changes to Canada’s family laws. We will continue to support legislation regarding the safe use of cannabis; tougher laws aimed at deterring and apprehending impaired drivers; preventing workplace violence and harassment; and improving supports and services for victims, among many other notable pieces of legislation that the Department is involved with.
The Department strives to ensure that all legislation meets the highest standards of equity, fairness and respect for the rule of law and that it adheres to the principles and values of the Charter. Gender-based analysis will help ensure that our commitment to equity and fairness is reflected in the work that we do. The Department will continue to work towards increased performance monitoring and reporting with respect to our legislation and policies.
A key focus for the Department of Justice continues to be a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples and supporting the Government of Canada’s commitment to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through a renewed, nation-to-nation, government-to-government, and Inuit-Crown relationship based on the recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership.
In 2019-20, Justice will continue to advance a recognition of rights approach based on fulfilling the promise of section 35 of the Constitution Act 1982, and implementing the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Justice will continue to apply the “Principles Respecting the Government of Canada’s Relationship with Indigenous Peoples”, and the Attorney General’s Directive on Civil Litigation involving Indigenous Peoples. This work means continuing to review and reform laws and policies to ensure that they do not disproportionally affect Indigenous peoples or infringe their rights, and better orienting our approach to litigation that involves Indigenous peoples. I am also pleased with our progress and ongoing commitment to support the Government’s efforts to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, especially those related to the administration of justice.
The Department also provides integrated, high quality legal services in support of the advancement of the Government of Canada’s litigation strategy with a focus on respecting the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, recognizing the rights of Indigenous peoples, and making decisions consistent with the Government’s priorities and Canadian values.
The Department of Justice is looking forward to the year ahead as we prepare to implement our plans and vision, while also effectively responding to the evolving concerns of Canadians. This is best illustrated by our dedication to ensuring that the justice system is fair, effective, relevant and accessible to all. We will continue to promote access to justice, especially in areas where, in the past, such access has been challenged and impeded. We will also continue to work towards providing real results for Canadians and introducing meaningful and worthwhile transformations to the justice system.
As Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, I look forward to leading the Department’s journey towards achieving our commitments and meeting our priorities. I am confident that the Department will continue to serve Canadians and meet its planned results in the year ahead.
Thank you
The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
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