1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Evaluation

This report presents the results of the evaluation of the SHW Initiative. The evaluation was conducted in accordance with the Treasury Board Policy on Results (2016), which requires departments to measure and evaluate performance and use the resulting information to manage and improve programs, policies and services. The evaluation was undertaken by Justice Canada’s Internal Audit and Evaluation Sector as part of its 2021-22 Departmental Integrated Audit and Evaluation Plan.

1.2 Evaluation Scope

The evaluation covers four fiscal years (FY), from 2019-20 to 2022-23. The scope was informed through a review of available information as well as consultations with the Evaluation Working Group (EWG) which included key representatives from the Innovations, Analysis and Integration Directorate (IAID) and the Legal Aid Directorate (LAD). The purpose of the consultations was to obtain input regarding issue areas and questions that may be of interest to explore through the evaluation.

The evaluation examined the relevance of the SHW Initiative in terms of its alignment with federal government priorities, roles and responsibilities, as well as the extent to which it is aligned with the needs of target populations. The evaluation also explored effectiveness focusing on early impacts, including the extent to which the SHW Initiative enabled access to legal advice, information and ancillary services, in addition to enabling target populations’ access to legal information about their rights, obligations and responsibilities. Finally, the evaluation explored both the implementation, and efficiency of the SHW Initiative.