Department of Justice Canada Minister's Transition Book (Pocket version)

Hot Issues - Shared Lead

Medical assistance in dying is a difficult, complex and deeply personal issue.
Canadians have diverse and evolving views, which need to be considered.
The Government of Canada confirmed in October 2019 that it would not appeal the Truchon and Gladu decision and the way forward requires legislative reform.
As the Prime Minister indicated, we are committed to making progress within the six-month timeframe set out by the court.

All Canadians should expect openness, transparency, and accountability from the institutions they rely on. This is how we build Canadians’ trust in their government.
The report produced by the Honourable Anne McLellan looked at the dual role of Canada’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and made recommendations to improve openness and transparency in this unique position.
In August 2019, the Prime Minister accepted the report and committed to carefully review Ms. McLellan’s recommendations to determine how best to implement them. My department is actively involved in this review.

Major energy projects that cross provincial and territorial borders undergo a rigorous, multi-stage review process, including consultation with Indigenous groups potentially impacted by the project.
On August 30, 2018, the Federal Court of Appeal set aside the initial federal approval of the TMX pipeline.
After that decision, the Government of Canada followed the guidance of the Federal Court of Appeal and undertook a comprehensive consultation process with Indigenous communities.
On June 18, 2019, the project was approved subject to 156 legally binding conditions, including measures to accommodate impacts to asserted and established Indigenous rights.
Applications for judicial review of this decision are currently before the Federal Court of Appeal. Canada will vigorously defend the approval of the TMX project.

In June 2018, the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act was passed.
Evidence shows that using market-based tools can be effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The federal carbon pollution pricing system seeks to stimulate investments in clean innovation and encourage individuals and businesses to choose cleaner options.
Four provinces are challenging the constitutionality of the legislation. The litigation is at varying stages in the court process.

Gun violence and gang violence pose real and significant public safety risks to many communities, including urban centers and some First Nations communities.
Protecting Canadians, including by safeguarding them from firearms violence, remains a priority for the Government of Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to keeping all Canadians safe, while at the same time protecting their rights and freedoms. This includes on online services.
Canada’s Criminal Code contains provisions that address hate propaganda and crimes motivated out of hatred based on race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, among other criteria.
The Government of Canada will continue to explore ways to better protect Canadians from online hate and mitigate the impact of foreign interference on our elections.

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal’s order for compensation is a significant ruling that raises important questions and considerations, such as who is to be compensated, the role of the Tribunal, and the impact on existing decisions from the Tribunal.
It is from that perspective that the Government of Canada filed a judicial review and a stay on October 4, 2019.