Level of confidence in the youth criminal justice system
The YCJA states that special procedures must be implemented to ensure that youth are treated fairly and their rights and freedoms are protected (s. 3(1)b)iii)). Respondents were asked how confident they were that the YCJS is fair and accessible to all people. Responses were measured on a five-point scale, from one (1) meaning “Not at all confident” to five (5) meaning “Very confident.”
Fair to all people
Overall, over one in five (22%) respondents reported being confident that the YCJS is fair to all people, 29% reported being moderately confident, and 39% reported not being confident (see Chart 2a). Indigenous people –specifically First Nations people (16%)–were less likely than White people (21%) to report being confident. Racialized people (28%)–specifically East AsianFootnote 3 (34%), LatinxFootnote 4 (28%), Middle Eastern and North AfricanFootnote 5 (29%) and Southeast AsianFootnote 6 (31%) people–were more likely than White people (21%) to report being confident. Older respondents aged 45 to 54 (24%) and 55 to 64 (27%) were more likely to report being confident than younger respondents aged 25 to 34 (19%) (see Chart 2b). Men (27%) were more likely than women (18%) to report being confident that the YCJS is fair to all people. Additionally, people who were not born in Canada (29%) were more likely to report being confident than those who were born in Canada (20%).
Accessible to all people
Nearly one-third of respondents (32%) reported being confident that the YCJS is accessible to all people, 31% reported moderate confidence, and 28% reported being not confident (see Chart 2a). Noticeable differences were observed between age groups. Older respondents, aged 45 to 54 (36%), 55 to 64 (37%) and 65 and older (33%), were more likely to report being confident than younger respondents, aged 18 to 24 (24%) and 25 to 34 (27%) (see Chart 2b). In addition, men (37%) were more likely to report being confident that the YCJS is accessible to all people than women (27%).
Chart 2a. Level of confidence in the youth criminal justice system, Canada, 2022
Chart 2a. Level of confidence in the youth criminal justice system, Canada, 2022 – Text version
There is a horizontal bar graph with two horizontal bars. The x-axis lists percentages from 0% to 100%, increasing in 10% increments. The y-axis lists the two horizontal bars, the first bar identified as “Accessible to all people” and the bar below identified as “Fair to all people.”
The legend below the chart notes that blue is for “Confident (4-5)”, light blue is for “Moderately confident (3)”, green is for “Not Confident (1-2)”, and dark blue is for “Don’t know.”
The first horizontal bar identified as “Accessible to all people” begins with blue at 32%, followed by light blue at 31%, green at 28%, and dark blue at 9%.
The second horizontal bar identified as “Fair to all people” begins with blue at 22%, followed by light blue at 29%, green at 39%, and dark blue at 9%.
Below the legend is a note that says:
Chart 2b. Percentage (%) of respondents who reported being confident that the youth criminal justice system is fair or accessible to all people, by age group, Canada, 2022
Chart 2b. Percentage (%) of respondents who reported being confident that the youth criminal justice system is fair or accessible to all people, by age group, Canada, 2022 – Text version
There is a vertical bar graph with six pairs of bars. The x-axis lists the six pairs of bars from left to right “18 to 24”, “25 to 34”, “35 to 44”, “45 to 54”, “55 to 64”, and “65 or older.” The y-axis lists percentages from 0% to 40%, increasing in increments of 5%.
There is a legend below the graph that notes that blue is “Fair” and light blue is “Accessible.”
The first pair of vertical bars are identified as “18 to 24” with the blue bar at 20% and the light blue bar at 24%.
The second pair of vertical bars are identified as “25 to 34” with the blue bar at 19% and the light blue bar at 27%.
The third pair of vertical bars are identified as “35 to 44” with the blue bar at 20% and the light blue bar at 28%.
The fourth pair of vertical bars are identified as “45 to 54” with the blue bar at 24% and the light blue bar at 36%.
The fifth pair of vertical bars are identified as “55 to 64” with the blue bar at 27% and the light blue bar at 37%.
The last pair of vertical bars are identified as “65 or older” with the blue bar at 23% and the light blue bar at 33%.
Below the legend are notes that say:
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