Key Issues
Bail, Violent and Repeat Offenders – Key Messages
- Canadians must have confidence in our justice system and bail system.
- While changes were made to Canada’s bail system, in collaboration with provinces and territories, to address violent repeat offenders, we agree more must be done to ensure it operates effectively and protects our communities.
- I look forward to collaborating with all levels of government. The safety of Canadian communities is a shared responsibility.
Notwithstanding Clause / English Montreal School Board Litigation – Key Messages
- Every Canadian, no matter their province or territory of residence, should feel confident that the federal government recognizes and respects their rights.
- We have serious concerns with the increased pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause (section 33) of the Charter.
If asked about intervening in EMSB litigation
- The case before the Supreme Court of Canada on Ǫuebec’s Bill 21 deals with issues such as the interpretation and application of the Charter.
- We are firmly committed to participate in this case and engage in these important national discussions that have broad implications for all Canadians.
Court Delays / Jordan Decision Impact – Key Messages
- Unreasonable delays in the criminal justice system undermine public confidence.
- They can also be devastating for victims of crime, including victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
- Provinces and territories are responsible for the administration of justice and have a critical role in ensuring accused persons are tried within a reasonable time, as is their right under the Charter.
- I look forward to working with them to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system.
Intimate Partner Violence – Key Messages
- Intimate partner violence requires a clear and unequivocal response.
- The Government will better protect victims of sexual and intimate partner violence by strengthening our criminal law, including against the distribution of intimate images without consent.
Drugs – Key Messages
- Canada continues to face a national opioid and overdose crisis.
- This is a complex issue that needs a comprehensive, collaborative, and evidence-based response.
- We must take more action to improve our capacity to respond and ensure drug-related offences such as the illicit production, trafficking and importation, are effective.
- At the same time, we must continue to ensure appropriate treatment services are made available to low-risk offenders who use drugs and are involved with minor crime.
Firearms – Key Messages
- The safety and security of everyone in Canada is the government’s top priority, and it requires strong action to protect individuals from gun violence.
- Prohibiting assault-style firearms is one of the key ways to prevent gun violence and crime.
- The Government will move forward with an efficient buyback program and introduce new measures to keep assault-style guns off our streets, such as revoking gun licenses for individuals convicted of violent offences, especially intimate partner violence offences.
Hate Crimes – Key Messages
- The rise in hate crimes is concerning. While Canada has a strong criminal law framework to combat hate speech and hate crimes, we will consider what more should be done.
- This includes looking at how we can better protect places of worship, schools, and community centres.
- The Government is also committed to looking at ways to build capacity, including through the development of resources and training, to support successful investigations and prosecutions of hate crimes.
Medical Assistance in Dying – Key Messages
- Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a complex and deeply personal issue.
- I am aware Ǫuébec legalized advance requests for MAID.
- While we understand Ǫuébec’s position, the Criminal Code does not permit the provision of MAID based on an advance request.
- I look forward to reviewing the results of the national conversation on advance requests, and working with provinces and territories, the medical community and other experts to identify next steps.
Miscarriage of Justice Review Commission – Key Messages
- While rare, miscarriages of justices do occur and can be discovered after the criminal court processes conclude.
- The new, independent Miscarriage of Justice Review Commission in Winnipeg is an important step to make our justice system more equitable and responsive.
- Once fully operational, independent commissioners will review, investigate and decide which criminal cases should be returned to the justice system due to a potential wrongful conviction.
- Until it is fully operational, the Department of Justice Canada will continue to process applications.
AGA v. AGC, Minister of Justice and AGC, and Roy Allan Sobotiak – Key Messages
- I am aware Alberta is challenging the former Minister of Justice’s decision to grant a new trial in Mr. Sobotiak’s second-degree murder case.
- This decision was based on new information that was not before the courts at the time of Mr. Sobotiak’s trial or appeal.
- As this matter is before the criminal courts and now also the subject of judicial review, I won’t be commenting further.
If asked about criminal conviction review process
- The process for reviewing a criminal conviction involves a preliminary assessment, investigation, an investigation report, and a decision by the Minister.
Immigration and Refugee Legal Aid – Key Messages
- Immigration and refugee legal aid helps individuals seeking asylum and involved in immigration proceedings obtain legal services.
- The Government of Canada has made significant investments to address recent pressures and support the ongoing delivery of immigration and refugee legal aid.
- We are working with provinces, territories and legal aid service providers to assess demand for immigration and refugee legal aid and explore sustainable, Long-term solutions.
Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance – Key Messages
- All individuals involved in extradition proceedings are afforded fair treatment and due process.
- Extradition requests are also confidential state-to- state communications.
- It would be inappropriate to comment publicly on specific extradition files.
Ǫuébec’s Bill 96 Litigation – Key Messages
- Canada is not currently involved in any litigation concerning Ǫuébec’s Bill 96 (Official and Common Language Act, French).
- Should a case reach the Supreme Court of Canada, and should the Supreme Court agree to hear an appeal, as Attorney General I would assess the case and determine next steps.
Judicial Appointments – Key Messages
- The Government takes its responsibility to appoint judges in a timely way seriously. This supports access to justice for all Canadians.
- Since November 2015, the Government has appointed more than 860 judges and there are only currently 15 federal judicial vacancies.
If asked on process
- Federal judicial appointments are made by the Governor General, acting on the advice of the federal Cabinet and recommendations from the Minister of Justice.
- Independent Judicial Advisory Committees play a key role in evaluating applications. They assess the qualifications for appointment of those candidates who apply. There are 17 Judicial Advisory Committees, with each province and territory represented.
Indigenous Justice Strategy – Key Messages
- The Indigenous Justice Strategy aims to address systemic discrimination and the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system, as both victims and offenders.
- It provides a vehicle to further advance First Nations, Inuit and Métis self-determination, and the revitalization of their respective laws and legal orders.
- I look forward to working with Indigenous and provincial, and territorial partners to move the Strategy forward.
UN Declaration Act Implementation – Key Messages
- The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act is a framework to advance Canada’s implementation of the UN Declaration.
- The UN Declaration Act Action Plan, released in June 2023, is guiding our work to uphold and advance the human rights of Indigenous peoples through concrete actions that address injustices, prejudice, violence, systemic racism and discrimination.
- I look forward to working with Indigenous and other partners as we move this work forward.
Canada’s Black Justice Strategy – Key Messages
- Canada’s Black Justice Strategy is the Government’s response to address anti-Black racism and discrimination in the criminal justice system.
- It aims to reduce the overrepresentation of Black people in the criminal justice system, including as victims of crime.
- I look forward to working with the External Steering Group, provincial and territorial partners and other partners to advance this critical work.
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