Main Estimates 2020–21

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Madam Chair,

Thank you for the invitation to speak to the Committee as it studies the 2020-21 Main Estimates for the Department of Justice Canada.

I would first like to acknowledge that I am joining you today from my office, which sits on the traditional territory of the Algonquin People.

I am joined today by [Justice officials and other representatives -TBD].

As we deal with both a global pandemic and calls for major social changes, the Department of Justice Canada’s work to promote and maintain a fair, transparent, and accessible justice system becomes even more critical.

I’m proud to note that the Department has shown great resilience and determination in the face of obstacles and delays during the pandemic; finding ways to work together and push ahead on key policy and legislative files.

We have moved rapidly to reintroduce important legislation regarding medical assistance in dying, banning conversion therapy and ensuring that judges hearing sexual assault matters will have the necessary training in sexual assault law and social context. We also intend to fulfil our pledge to introduce legislation this year to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In many respects, the pandemic has served to highlight what we already knew.

For millions of people in our country and around the globe, the pandemic has added overwhelming obstacles to those who already must deal with barriers. Those facing low incomes, under-employment, intimate-partner violence, discrimination and other challenges have felt the full brunt of this crisis. This trauma echoes in every region of the country—particularly in remote and Indigenous communities.

It is very important to me that we work to ensure that all Canadians can have confidence in our justice system. This work has begun but I acknowledge that there is much more to do.

Our government has brought forward a variety of important measures to blunt the effects of the pandemic, to address social inequalities and to support our most vulnerable citizens.

As one example, I was pleased to announce recently that our government is providing funding of almost $364,000 to support five Child Advocacy Centres and Child and Youth Advocacy Centres in Ontario to help ensure delivery of services during the pandemic.

The centres play an essential role in this province’s victim services. They provide immeasurable support and comfort for children, youth and their families who are dealing with abuse or violence. It is no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the ability of these centres to help young victims and their families, this at a time when the centres are needed more than ever.

The announced funding will provide urgently needed resources to ensure these centres can provide services that meet public health guidelines and restrictions.

This is just one of the many ways we are helping vulnerable Canadians in this time of social, economic and health crisis. We are hearing ever-louder calls to make our justice system better serve Indigenous, Black, racialized, LGBTQ2 and other communities, and to promote fair access to justice for all.

Committee members will hear these voices and these priorities echoed within financial details of the 2020-21 Main Estimates.

2020-21 Main Estimates Overview

The Department of Justice has a total budgetary authority of $769.02 million through the 2020-21 Main Estimates – an increase of $24.50 million from the previous fiscal year.

This funding will go toward key priorities that help to strengthen our justice system and ensure it is fair and accessible for everyone.

Allow me to highlight a couple of the key areas.

Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

One example of how we are helping protect Canadians’ rights and increase access to justice is by providing legal support and awareness on sexual harassment in the workplace.

In Budget 2018, our government committed $50.4 million over five years toward actions to eliminate gender-based violence and harassment. The 2020-21 Main Estimates include $10.58 million to help ensure that workers are able to work in an environment free from harassment and fear.

Through the Department’s Legal Aid Program and the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program, we will boost legal aid support for workers who experience sexual harassment in the workplace, and support the ongoing development of a pan-Canadian outreach program to make sure workers understand what their rights are and how they can find help.

Renewing Indigenous Justice

Access to a fair and equitable justice system is a core part of reconciliation and our work to build a strong, respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in our country.

Budget 2019 included $10 million over five years to implement Call to Action 50 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to support Indigenous law initiatives across Canada. This is a vital part of building stronger Indigenous governance and healthy communities.

The 2020-21 Main Estimates include $2 million for Justice Canada to support the development, use and understanding of Indigenous laws and access to justice in accordance with the unique cultures of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

On this note, I will conclude my remarks. Thank you for the opportunity to talk about how we are working to make our justice system stronger, more people-centred and more resilient for a better Canada. I am now happy to take any questions.

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