Supplementary Estimates C 2020–21 And Main Estimates 2021–22

• Table of Contents
• Next Page

Opening Remarks

Madam Chair,

I am pleased to help the Committee as it studies the 2020–21 Supplementary Estimates C and 2021–22 Main Estimates for the Department of Justice Canada.

I am joining you today from the Department of Justice, which sits on the traditional territory of the Algonquin People.

Despite the challenging times, Justice Canada has accomplished an enormous volume of work to help ensure a fair, transparent and accessible Canadian justice system.

Nous poursuivons notre démarche de réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones. Nous avons notamment déposé le projet de loi C-15, qui porte sur la mise en œuvre de la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones au Canada. Il s’agit d’une démarche essentielle à nos efforts plus larges visant à lutter contre la discrimination systémique, profondément enracinée.

We continue on our reconciliation journey with Indigenous peoples, including introducing Bill C-15, legislation respecting the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. This is fundamental to our broader efforts to tackle deep-rooted and systemic discrimination.

Le projet de loi C-22 constitue un exemple important à cet égard. Il propose des changements visant à réformer les pratiques en matière de détermination de la peine et à mettre l’accent sur des programmes de déjudiciarisation. Il propose également de traiter la consommation de substances comme un enjeu sanitaire et non criminel.

An important example of that is Bill C-22, which proposes changes that would reform sentencing practices and focus on diversion programs. It also proposes changes to treat substance use a health issue, rather than a criminal one.

We also introduced Bill C-23, which provides greater flexibility in how courts hold criminal proceedings and issue orders. We must ensure that both victims and accused receive fair and timely justice.

Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that our justice system remains fair, effective, accessible, and equitable.

These priorities are echoed within the 2020–21 Supplementary Estimates C that include an additional $78.5 million this fiscal year—bringing the total budgetary authority for 2020–21 to $863.9 million.

Also, the 2021–22 Main Estimates include a budgetary authority of $794.5 million—an increase of $25.5 million from the previous fiscal year.

I would like to highlight a few key funding areas.

J’ai mentionné le projet de loi C-15 et notre engagement à modifier la relation qui existe entre la Couronne et les peuples autochtones.

I mentioned Bill C-15, and our commitment to changing the relationship between the Crown and Indigenous peoples.

À cette fin, le Budget supplémentaire et le Budget principal des dépenses comprennent 2,6 millions de dollars faisant partie des fonds annoncés dans l’Énoncé économique de l’automne de 2020 (2,8 millions de dollars). Jumelés au financement accordé à Relations Couronne-Autochtones et Affaires du Nord Canada pour soutenir des partenaires autochtones, ces fonds nous aideront à poursuivre le processus de mobilisation à mesure que le projet de loi franchira les diverses étapes du processus législatif.

To this end, the Supplementary and Main Estimates include $2.6 million from the funding announced in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement ($2.8 million). Coupled with funding provided to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada to support Indigenous partners, this funding will help us continue the engagement process as the legislation moves through Parliament.

Le Budget supplémentaire et le Budget principal des dépenses comprennent également 7,3 millions de dollars de plus par année afin de continuer à donner suite au rapport final de l’Enquête nationale sur les femmes et les filles autochtones disparues et assassinées. Les services offerts par les Unités de liaison pour l’information à l’intention des familles et les services communautaires seront ainsi élargis afin d’offrir un soutien direct aux familles des victimes.

The Supplementary and Main Estimates also include an increase of $7.3 million per year to continue to respond to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls final report. This will extend Family Information Liaison Units and Community-Based Services to provide direct support to families of victims.

We are also focused on supporting the courts. The Supplementary Estimates of both the Court Administration Service and the Registrar of the Supreme Court of Canada include funding to help the courts serve Canadians and adapt to new realities.

The Supplementary Estimates also include $20.3 million to address immigration and refugee legal aid pressures, to help provinces maintain service delivery levels and prevent processing delays for asylum seekers.

We are also taking action to better respond to the needs of families—particularly children—during divorce or separation.

The Supplementary and Main Estimates include, respectively, $1 million and $6.7 million to implement new family support enforcement provisions and to increase access to family justice services in the official language of one’s choice.

Budget 2019 announced funding of $21.6 million over five years, starting in 2020–21, to support these provisions, and these funds will help the Department transform the Canadian justice system to better serve all Canadians.

Our government will continue to push ahead with measures to create a strong, equitable and effective justice system that protects Canadians, their communities, and their rights.

Thank you for your time. I am now happy to take questions.

• Table of Contents
• Next Page