2015–16 Departmental Performance Report
Supplementary Information Tables
Details on Transfer Payment Programs
Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund
Name of transfer payment program
Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund (Voted)
Start date
April 1, 2003
End date
Ongoing
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2009-2010
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant, and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to the organization’s program(s)
Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework
Description
The Support Fund is designed to facilitate access to justice in both official languages through various means, including the creation of legal and linguistic tools, workshops and training to bilingual lawyers and stakeholders of the justice system, the development of related training material, and the provision of public legal education and information. Its objectives are to increase the capacity of the justice system and its stakeholders to offer justice services in both official languages and to increase awareness in the legal community and official language minority and majority communities concerning their rights and issues related to access to justice in both official languages.
Recipients: Canadian not-for-profit organizations; Provincial and territorial governments, regional and municipal governments, provincial and territorial Crown corporations; and Canadian institutions/boards of education, including Centre for jurilinguistics.
Results achieved
The Department continued to work with its partners to improve access to justice in both official languages. Funding was directed to projects aiming to increase awareness among Canadians and the legal profession about issues relating to official languages in official language minority communities, and to improve the capacity of justice stakeholders to offer services in both official languages.
The Department reviewed 30 new funding proposals and funded 43 projects in 2015-2016 (including multi-year projects approved in previous years).
- Fourteen projects under the Justice Training in Both Official Languages Component supported training for 626 justice professionals (including provincially appointed judges, provincial crown attorneys, probation officers, and clerks) to improve their capacity to deliver services in both official languages. Seven of these projects provided specialized language training programs to more than 40 provincial court judges from 11 jurisdictions.
- Twenty projects aimed to raise awareness and support public legal information activities to promote increased access to justice services in both official languages. For example, a project by Éducaloi aimed to provide legal and language rights information to the Anglophone community, while five other projects supported the establishment of Justice Hub Centres.
- Three projects contributed to the development of a curriculum for bilingual students interested in pursuing a career in the field of justice.
- Six projects focused on developing linguistic training tools, including the Jurisource.ca portal, which provides legal and jurilinguistic resources to justice professionals working with official language minority communities.
The Fund also supports the work of web portals such as cliquezjustice.ca and Éducaloi.qc.ca that provide legal information to official language minority communities across the country in the official language of their choice.
Comments on variances
The Department continued to work diligently with funding applicants, ensuring that funding proposals met the objectives and priorities of the Support Fund. The overall lapse was minimal and demonstrates the success of the Department’s approach.
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
The evaluation of the initiative is scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2016-2017.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
Throughout the year, the Department actively engaged its network of stakeholders from official language minority communities through different channels such as conference calls, online newsletters, and the Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Working Group on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages (November 2015).
The consultation process was useful in obtaining feedback from funding recipient organizations and provincial and territorial governments on the implementation of the Support Fund’s strategy. This engagement was also instrumental in identifying significant issues in access to justice in both official languages. The in-person meetings were an effective forum for sharing relevant information and best practices with and among stakeholders and provincial and territorial counterparts.
| Type of Transfer Payment | 2013–14 Actual spending | 2014–15 Actual spending | 2015–16 Planned spending | 2015–16 Total authorities available for use | 2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $49,466 | $139,070 | $600,000 | $224,110 | $197,275 | $402,725 |
| Total contributions | $4,231,006 | $6,225,962 | $5,892,845 | $6,268,735 | $6,268,735 | ($375,890) |
| Total program | $4,280,472 | $6,365,032 | $6,492,845 | $6,492,845 | $6,466,010 | $26,835 |
Aboriginal Justice Strategy Fund
Name of transfer payment program
Aboriginal Justice Strategy Fund (Voted)
Start date
April 1, 1991, as the Aboriginal Justice Initiative, renewed as the Aboriginal Justice Strategy in 1996, 2002, 2007, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
End date
Funding expires March 31, 2017
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2011-2012
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant, and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to the organization’s program(s)
Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework
Description
The Aboriginal Justice Strategy (AJS) supports Indigenous community-based justice programs that offer alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances. AJS programs are also aimed at reducing the rates of victimization, crime, and incarceration among Indigenous people in communities operating AJS programs, as well as at helping the mainstream justice system become more responsive and sensitive to the needs and culture of Indigenous communities.
Recipients: (a) First Nations, Bands, Tribal Councils, local, regional, and national Indigenous organizations; (b) regional/municipal governments including their agencies and institutions; (c) non-profit community organizations, societies, and associations that have voluntarily associated themselves for a non-profit purpose; (d) provincial and territorial governments; (e) individuals; and (f) for‑profit corporations, so long as these corporations will not make a profit on the work performed.
Results achieved
In 2015-16, the AJS allocated over $11.6 million to support approximately 200 Indigenous community-based justice programs (110 funding agreements) that offer alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances. Annually, more than 10,000 clients are referred to AJS programs from approximately 750 communities across Canada.
The AJS’s 2015-16 Capacity-Building Fund allocated over $1.25 million to support 44 projects that reached over 616 Communities. This funding focused on supporting regional gatherings and emerging policy issues such as violence against Indigenous women and girls.
Comments on variances
An earlier launch of the Capacity-Building Fund call for proposals also allowed the AJS to expend the majority of its allocated grant funding in 2014-2015. A total of $250,000 in contributions was requested to support both new and existing AJS program recipients.
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
The last evaluation of the AJS was completed in November 2011. The next planned evaluation of the AJS is scheduled to be completed in fall 2016.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
Applicants and recipients were engaged through ongoing interactions with Justice Canada officials relating to funding, reporting and sharing of information. The AJS FPT Working Group held regular teleconferences throughout the year and met in person in May. The Working Group serves as a forum for discussing the AJS as well as cross-jurisdictional issues. Phase Two of the AJS’s Engagement Sessions took place to seek input and ideas from community experts in two key areas: 1) the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system, and 2) emerging justice issues.
| Type of Transfer Payment | 2013–14 Actual spending | 2014–15 Actual spending | 2015–16 Planned spending | 2015–16 Total authorities available for use | 2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $50,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $12,443,549 | $12,551,752 | $12,650,000 | $12,900,000 | $12,900,000 | ($250,000) |
| Total program | $12,493,549 | $12,601,752 | $12,700,000 | $12,950,000 | $12,950,000 | ($250,000) |
Legal Aid Systems
Name of transfer payment program
Legal Aid Systems (Voted)
Start date
August 17, 1971
End date
Ongoing
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2014-2015
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant, and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to the organization’s program(s)
Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework
Description
The objective of the federal Legal Aid Program is to contribute to sustaining a national system of justice to help ensure that economically disadvantaged persons have access to the justice system. Contribution funding is provided to the provinces to support the delivery of legal aid in criminal, youth criminal justice, and immigration and refugee matters. (Funding for criminal and civil legal aid in the territories is provided through the Access to Justice Services Agreements).
Results achieved
Provinces have an increased capacity to provide legal aid services to eligible persons involved in criminal, youth criminal justice, and immigration and refugee matters.
Comments on variances
N/A
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
The next planned evaluation is scheduled to be completed in November 2016.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
Provinces and legal aid service providers participate in the FPT Permanent Working Group on Legal Aid, a forum for discussion and joint policy development in legal aid matters. The resulting collaboration promotes the development and implementation of legal aid policy and programs in Canada.
| Type of Transfer Payment | 2013–14 Actual spending | 2014–15 Actual spending | 2015–16 Planned spending | 2015–16 Total authorities available for use | 2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $120,327,507 | $120,327,507 | $120,327,507 | $120,327,507 | $120,327,507 | $0 |
| Total program | $120,327,507 | $120,327,507 | $120,327,507 | $120,327,507 | $120,327,507 | $0 |
Youth Justice Services
Name of transfer payment program
Youth Justice Services (Voted)
Start date
April 2, 1984
End date
Ongoing
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2012-2013
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant, and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to the organization’s program(s)
Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework
Description
The federal Youth Justice Services Funding Program (YJSFP) is a cost-shared contribution program with all provinces and territories for the delivery of youth justice programs and services. Through YJSFP, the Department provides contribution funding to the provinces and territories for programs and services aimed at youth in conflict with the law that encourage their accountability, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the community; promote diversion from the formal court process where appropriate; and reserve custody for the most serious offender.
Results achieved
Through the YJSFP, the Department supported provinces and territories in providing a range of youth justice programs and services offered to young persons in conflict with the law. Specifically, the YJSFP provided federal funding for programs and services that:
- Encourage timely and proportionate accountability measures for unlawful behavior;
- Provide for effective rehabilitation and reintegration of young persons; and
- Target the formal court process, detention, and custody to the most serious offenders.
YJSFP funding agreements with all provinces and territories are in effect from April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2018.
Comments on variances
N/A
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
The last evaluation of the Youth Justice Initiative was completed in 2016. It provided ample evidence of the continued relevance and effectiveness of the youth justice initiative funding components and the resulting action plan is now being implemented.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
Recipients continue to be engaged through the FPT Working Group on Youth Justice Cost-sharing and Programs.
| Type of Transfer Payment | 2013–14 Actual spending | 2014–15 Actual spending | 2015–16 Planned spending | 2015–16 Total authorities available for use | 2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $141,692,415 | $141,692,415 | $141,692,415 | $141,692,415 | $141,692,415 | $0 |
| Total program | $141,692,415 | $141,692,415 | $141,692,415 | $141,692,415 | $141,692,415 | $0 |
Supporting Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce Initiative
Name of transfer payment program
Supporting Families Experiencing Separation in Divorce Initiative (Voted)
Start date
April 1, 2009
End date
Funding expires March 31, 2017
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2013-2014
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant, and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to the organization’s program(s)
Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework
Description
The Supporting Families Fund is a key component of the Supporting Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce Initiative (SFI), which was announced by the Minister of Justice in September 2008 and launched on April 1, 2009. The Fund is aimed at facilitating access to the family justice system for families experiencing separation and divorce through various services, programs, and information resources, particularly those that promote compliance with financial support and custody/access obligations. The Fund also supports projects that promote public awareness about parental obligations, compliance, and the family justice system.
Recipients: Provincial and territorial departments, agencies, or other organizations designated by provincial and territorial governments as responsible for child support, the enforcement of support orders, and agreements and parenting arrangement programs and services are eligible to apply for contribution funding under the Family Justice Initiatives and the Pilot Projects components of the Fund.
Any of the following may apply for contribution or class grant funding under the Fund's Public Legal Education and Information and Professional Training component:
- Individuals;
- non-profit professional organizations, societies, or associations;
- other non-profit organizations, societies, or associations;
- educational institutions; and
- private-sector organizations sponsoring non-profit projects in partnership with federal, provincial, or territorial governments.
Results achieved
The Family Justice Initiatives component supported provincial and territorial family justice programs and services that assist families experiencing separation and divorce to deal with issues relating to child/spousal support; custody/access enforcement; and parenting arrangements, thus facilitating access to the family justice system.
Funding was also provided to provinces and territories under the Pilot Projects component to develop, implement, and evaluate innovative family justice services with a focus on compliance with financial support and custody/access obligations. The Department provided funding for the following projects that inform Canadians about family law issues such as parenting arrangements, child/spousal support guidelines, and support/access enforcement measures and other access to family justice services:
- Pathways to Accessing Family Justice Services: Barriers and Facilitators
- A Tool Kit for Successfully Parenting Apart
- Separation, divorce: A Tool Kit for Judicial Procedures
- Equipped for a Better Life (Outiller pour mieux vivre)
- Family mediation training sessions in New Brunswick and Manitoba.
These pilot projects promote accessibility of custody/access, support and enforcement services for separating and divorcing families and promote knowledge of family law issues.
Comments on variances
N/A
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
The next planned evaluation is scheduled for 2018-2019.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
- Continued to provide information to applicants through the Justice Canada website, via telephone, and by email;
- Continued to obtain feedback from funding recipients to improve program funding processes;
- Continued to respond to questions from funding recipients via telephone, email, or face-to-face meetings regarding proposal development and throughout the funding process; and
- Through the Coordinating Committee of Senior Officials (CCSO) Family Justice Committee, continued to seek feedback and collaboration from provincial and territorial governments and recipients of family justice services funding on funding criteria, final reporting template, and collection of program data for the purpose of the impact evaluation of the SFI. Discussions of the CCSO-Family Justice Committee in 2015-2016 also included the renewal of the program.
| Type of Transfer Payment | 2013–14 Actual spending | 2014–15 Actual spending | 2015–16 Planned spending | 2015–16 Total authorities available for use | 2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $50,000 | $0 | $0 | $50,000 |
| Total contributions | $15,999,842 | $15,827,448 | $15,950,000 | $16,000,000 | $16,000,000 | ($50,000) |
| Total program | $15,999,842 | $15,827,448 | $16,000,000 | $16,000,000 | $16,000,000 | $0 |
Victims Fund
Name of transfer payment program
Victims Fund (Voted)
Start date
Victims of Crime Initiative (VCI) April 1, 2000, and Federal Victims Strategy (FVS) April 1, 2007
End date
ongoing
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2012-2013
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant, and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to the organization’s program(s)
Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework
Description
The Victims Fund is part of the Federal Victims Strategy that works to give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system. The Victims Fund provides grants and contributions to support projects and activities that encourage the development of new approaches, promote access to justice, improve the capacity of service providers, foster the establishment of referral networks, and/or increase awareness about the needs of victims of crime and services and legislation available to assist them.
Recipients: (a) individuals; (b) national, provincial, territorial, municipal, Indigenous, and community or professional organizations, societies, or associations; (c) Canadian educational institutions/boards of education; (d) international governmental and non-governmental organizations, including bodies associated or affiliated with organizations of which Canada is a member, which have as their purpose victim advocacy, services, assistance, or raising awareness about the impact of victimization; (e) private sector organizations sponsoring non-profit projects; (f) bands, tribal councils and self-governing First Nations who are working to provide services and assistance to victims of crime in Indigenous communities; and (g) provincial, territorial, municipal, and regional governments and agencies.
Results achieved
The Victims Fund supported a variety of projects and activities that developed new approaches, promoted access to justice, improved the capacity of service providers, increased awareness of services available to victims of crime and their families, and reduced financial hardship of victims. To that end, funding was provided to:
- 23 organizations to establish or enhance Child Advocacy Centres;
- 15 organizations in support of culturally responsive victim services for Indigenous victims of crime and families of missing and murdered Indigenous women;
- 8 organizations that provide direct services to victims of human trafficking;
- 9 organizations to help them maintain services by covering operating expenses;
- 24 projects across Canada to deliver services to victims and/or raise awareness about victim issues;
- 12 provinces and territories to support the development, enhancement and delivery of victim services and to implement the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights;
- 171 organizations to support community events to mark the Victims and Survivors of Crime Week;
- 529 victims (including support persons) to attend Parole Board of Canada hearings; and
- 49 Canadians victimized abroad (including support persons).
Comments on variances
The Department pursued efforts in reaching as many applicants as possible to ensure that funding proposals met the objectives and priorities of the Victims Fund. Provincial and territorial government uptake continues to increase as they are responsible for the delivery of victim services. The variance is mainly attributed to the election call, which diminished capacity to consider and fund projects during the election period.
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
The evaluation of the Federal Victims Strategy, which includes the Victims Fund, was completed in 2015-2016.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
The Department continued its outreach efforts with applicants and recipients through various means, including:
- Providing information to potential applicants by posting funding information on the Department’s website and via telephone and email;
- Responding to questions from funding applicants and recipients via telephone, email, or face-to-face meetings regarding proposal development and throughout the funding process;
- Obtaining direct feedback from funding recipients through surveys to improve the program funding process;
- Promoting the Victims Fund at meetings with victim advocacy organizations, criminal justice associations, criminal justice system partners, and other stakeholders;
- Promoting the Victims Fund in Policy Centre for Victim Issues newsletters, e-blasts and communities of practice; and
- Regular communication with the FPT Working Group on Victims of Crime.
| Type of Transfer Payment | 2013–14 Actual spending | 2014–15 Actual spending | 2015–16 Planned spending | 2015–16 Total authorities available for use | 2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $1,745,910 | $1,870,918 | $3,250,000 | $2,463,188 | $1,432,852 | $1,817,148 |
| Total contributions | $8,929,669 | $9,274,761 | $9,148,159 | $12,434,288 | $12,434,287 | ($3,286,128) |
| Total program | $10,675,579 | $11,145,679 | $12,398,159 | $14,897,476 | $13,867,139 | ($1,468,980) |
Youth Justice Services–Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program
Name of transfer payment program
Youth Justice Services—Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program (voted)
Start date
April 1, 2002
End date
Ongoing
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2012-2013
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant, and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to the organization’s program(s)
Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework
Description
The overall objective of this program is to financially assist the provinces and territories in providing the specialized services required for the implementation of the Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision (IRCS) sentence pursuant to paragraph 42(2)(r) and subsection 42(7) of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other sentencing options applicable under the Act to serious violent youth offenders with mental health problems. It is expected that these services might reduce the likelihood of further violence in those convicted of the most serious violent offences.
Recipients: Provinces and territories.
Results achieved
Through the IRCS Funding Program, provinces and territories were supported in providing a range of youth justice programs and services offered to young persons in conflict with the law. Specifically for the IRCS Program, federal funding was provided toward specialized services required for the implementation of IRCS sentences pursuant to paragraph 42(2)(r) of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other sentencing options applicable under the Act for serious violent youth offenders with mental health problems (exceptional cases). During 2015-16, a total of 12 IRCS orders were issued by the courts and became eligible for federal funding, bringing the total number of active IRCS cases funded to 48. In addition, another 17 exceptional cases were approved for funding during 2015-16, bringing the total number of active exceptional cases to 21. IRCS funding agreements with all provinces and territories are effective for the period of April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2018.
Comments on variances
Spending under this program largely depends on sentences imposed under section 42(2)(r) of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and applications for other exceptional case funding and as such remains unpredictable. The IRCS Program plans its budget, in part, based on a projected number of applications and orders from provincial and territorial governments. In 2015‑16, the Program received fewer applications and orders than were expected resulting in a variance.
Audits completed or planned
None
Evaluations completed or planned
The most recent evaluation was completed in 2015 with the Evaluation of the Youth Justice Initiative. The Evaluation provided ample evidence of the continued relevance and effectiveness of the youth justice initiative funding components. The action plan that resulted from it is now being implemented.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
Recipients continue to be engaged through the FPT Working Group on Youth Justice Cost-sharing and Programs.
| Type of Transfer Payment | 2013–14 Actual spending | 2014–15 Actual spending | 2015–16 Planned spending | 2015–16 Total authorities available for use | 2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $10,770,273 | $10,846,381 | $11,048,000 | $11,048,000 | $11,003,383 | $44,617 |
| Total program | $10,770,273 | $10,846,381 | $11,048,000 | $11,048,000 | $11,003,383 | $44,617 |
Implementation of Official Languages Requirements under the Contraventions Act
Name of transfer payment program
Implementation of Official Languages Requirements under the Contraventions Act (Voted)
Start date
April 1, 2002
End date
Ongoing
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2012-2013
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant, and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to the organization’s program(s)
Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework
Description
The Contraventions Act allows the federal government to designate federal statutory offences as contraventions so that they can be processed using a ticketing regime, thus reducing the burden on the court system, reducing the costs for the accused and the government, and limiting the impact of a conviction based on a federal offence. The Act authorizes the federal government to sign administration agreements with provinces, territories, and municipalities allowing the federal government to use existing provincial penal regimes to prosecute federal contraventions. The Contraventions Act Fund provides funding to provinces, territories, and municipalities that have signed administration agreements so that they can implement the Act in a manner consistent with the applicable constitutional language rights laws involving compliance with judicial services (section 530 and 530.1 of the Criminal Code) and extrajudicial services (Part IV of the Official Languages Act).
Recipients: Provincial and territorial departments and agencies and municipalities designated by provincial and territorial governments as being responsible for judicial activities and for providing extrajudicial services in both official languages.
Results achieved
Progress was made in negotiations with Newfoundland and Labrador toward the conclusion of Contraventions Act Administration and Enforcement Agreements, which the Department expects to conclude in 2016-2017. The Agreements will include provisions for measures supported by the Contraventions Act Fund to ensure language rights are respected. Moreover, the status of the provincial ticket and forms in both official languages was confirmed, which is necessary in order to incorporate the Provincial Offences Act into the federal Application of Provincial Laws Regulations, and the regulatory amending process is under way. The Department was also encouraged by the positive response from Alberta to begin discussions on the implementation of a contraventions regime. Overall, the Contraventions Act is implemented in seven provinces. As a result, over 80 percent of Canadians reside in a province where persons who have received a federal contravention are guaranteed access to the justice system in the official language of their choice.
Comments on variances
Only provinces/territories/municipalities are eligible for funding under the Fund. The Department continues to work diligently toward having provinces, territories, and municipalities sign Contraventions Act administration and enforcement agreements containing language rights provisions supported by the Fund. However, negotiations and progress depend largely on the priorities, and therefore capacity, of the provinces. Only when all jurisdictions have signed agreements will the Fund be completely committed.
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
The next planned evaluation is scheduled to begin in 2016-2017.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
The Sub-Working Group of the FPT Working Group–Contraventions Regime was created at a meeting of the FPT Working Group on Access to Justice in Both Official Languages in 2012. It brings together the Department’s provincial partners to identify and discuss emerging legal and operational issues and share information with the goal of contributing to greater access to justice, including access to justice in both official languages through the efficient and effective administration and enforcement of federal contraventions. Following the inaugural meeting on April 8, 2014, three additional meetings have been held: April 2014, December 2014, and December 2015.
| Type of Transfer Payment | 2013–14 Actual spending | 2014–15 Actual spending | 2015–16 Planned spending | 2015–16 Total authorities available for use | 2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $4,938,711 | $3,810,821 | $9,094,900 | $8,496,484 | $3,363,960 | $5,730,940 |
| Total program | $4,938,711 | $3,810,821 | $9,094,900 | $8,496,484 | $3,363,960 | $5,730,940 |
Aboriginal Courtwork Program
Name of transfer payment program
Aboriginal Courtwork Program
Start date
April 1, 1978
End date
Ongoing
Fiscal year for terms and conditions
2013-2014
Strategic Outcome
A fair, relevant,and accessible Canadian justice system
Link to the organization’s program(s)
Stewardship of the Canadian Legal Framework
Description
The Aboriginal Courtwork (ACW) Programprovides funding to provinces and territories for Aboriginal Courtworker services. The objective of the Program is to improve access to justice by helping Indigenous people involved in the criminal justice system obtain fair, just, equitable, and culturally sensitive treatment. It is the only ongoing justice-related program available to all Indigenous people (adult and youth), regardless of status and residency. The ACW Program is limited to providing services in criminal proceedings only.
Briefly stated, Aboriginal Courtworkers serve multiple roles:
- acting as culturally relevant “navigators” for Indigenous people in contact with the criminal justice system whether as accused persons, victims, witnesses and/or family members;
- providing courts with information needed for matters such as sentencing and bail purposes; and
- connecting victims, witnesses, and family members to culturally safe assistance and resources.
Recipients: Federal contributions will be made to provincial governments to provide Aboriginal Courtwork services to Indigenous persons (adults and youths) charged with an offence under any federal or provincial statute or municipal by-law. A province may authorize one or more agencies to deliver Aboriginal Courtwork services on its behalf. All designated delivery agencies are accountable to the funders. In addition, the Projects in Support of the Aboriginal Courtwork Program component provides modest support for projects that further the mandate of the Program.
Results achieved
The Aboriginal Courtwork Program provides direct services to Indigenous people (adult and youth) involved in the criminal justice system whether as accused persons, victims, witnesses, or family members. On an annual basis, over 170 Aboriginal Courtworkers provide services to over 435 communities and approximately 65,000 Indigenous people in participating jurisdictions.
Through the support of the Projects in Support of the Aboriginal Courtwork Program Fund, Indigenous service delivery agencies, First Nations, Legal Services Boards, and FPT designates have collaboratively developed a strategic plan that identifies activities that, once complete, will become a framework for how ACW will meet the needs of Indigenous people involved with the justice system and support reconciliation. In addition, Aboriginal Courtworkers across Canada participated in sessions to identify emerging justice issues facing their clients and potential solutions for eliminating overrepresentation.
Comments on variances
Internal reallocation of resources allowed for the funding of a range of regional training sessions.
Audits completed or planned
N/A
Evaluations completed or planned
The next evaluation of the Aboriginal Courtwork Program will take place in 2016-17.
Engagement of applicants and recipients
The Annual meeting of the Tripartite Working Group on the ACW Program was held in Ottawa on May 6, 2015. The Annual Meetings of the Program Directors on the ACW Program and the FPT Working Group on the ACW Program were held at the same time. Tripartite Working Group teleconferences were also held on a quarterly basis. Ongoing engagement and outreach to applicants for the project fund and for recipients included regular emails, phone calls, video conferences, site visits, and feedback on project applications, reporting, and processes.
| Type of Transfer Payment | 2013–14 Actual spending | 2014–15 Actual spending | 2015–16 Planned spending | 2015–16 Total authorities available for use | 2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $5,155,570 | $5,568,507 | $4,911,363 | $5,259,779 | $5,259,779 | ($348,416) |
| Total program | $5,155,570 | $5,568,507 | $4,911,363 | $5,259,779 | $5,259,779 | ($348,416) |
- Date modified: