An Access to Justice Index for Administrative Bodies
Take the Index Challenge!
In 2017, the Research and Statistics Division of the Department of Justice Canada released the Access to Justice Index (the “Index”) for Federal Administrative Bodies.
In 2025, the Index was updated to better reflect the current reality of virtual hearings and the diversity of administrative bodies. The Index is a comprehensive tool that allows administrative bodies in Canada to assess their own progress in delivering meaningful access to justice to users. The Index highlights the power of data-driven policy and programming. It clearly identifies areas in which administrative bodies can make concrete improvements. Other programs and projects that have a long-term goal of improving access to justice may also find value in reviewing the materials and using this tool.
This self-assessment tool is essentially an online survey consisting of a series of yes or no questions divided into two main parts: 1) Current Performance, and 2) Institutional Capacity. Part 1 reflects the areas of focus from the original Index. Part 2 is new.
Part 1 – Current Performance
- Category 1 – Access to the Admninistrative Body
- Category 2 – Processes
- Category 3 – Costs
- Category 4 – Outcomes
Part 2 – Institutional Capacity
- Category 1 – User-centred design
- Category 2 – Data-driven improvement and monitoring results
- Category 3 – Engagement in the justice service continuum and future thinking
When using the tool, other groups in an organization, such as communications or human resources, may need to also be consulted for the answers.
Upon receipt of the completed survey, Justice Canada researchers will prepare a confidential report identifying the organization’s score for each category, an overall score, as well as areas for improvement. The report is then sent to the organization within two to four weeks.
Start the Index Challenge here!
Are you an Administrative Body looking to maximize your accessibility? Please take the updated Index Challenge!
Do you need help completing the tool? View the guide to completing the Index.
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact rsd-drs@justice.gc.ca.
Resources
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