Actions and Commitments:
Exploring Theme: "Actions to Reduce Overrepresentation"
Updates on this page: 84
(Filtered by Indigenous Group "First Nations")
June 10, 2024
Government of Saskatchewan Announces Major Investments in Public Safety
Includes $4.7 Million for Courtroom Safety and $45 Million for First Nations Inuit Policing Program NationTalk: The Government of Saskatchewan continues to invest in major public safety initiatives across the province through the ministries of Justice and Attorney General and Corrections, Policing and Public Safety. Today, Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre and Corrections, Policing and...
May 16, 2024
Helping youth involved in the Criminal Justice System reintegrate into their communities
NationTalk: Department of Justice Canada – Across the country, governments, police, lawyers, judges and community partners are working with communities and families to prevent youth involvement in crime and ensure a fair and effective youth justice system. The Government of Canada is pleased to support the innovative work done by its partners to help help...
May 3, 2024
Governments of Canada, Saskatchewan and Prince Albert Grand Council announce funding to study implementation of Indigenous-led police services
NationTalk: Public Safety Canada – Prince Albert, Saskatchewan – Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs; the Honourable Paul Merriman, Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety; and Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte, of the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), announced an investment of more than $1.4 million to support...
January 30, 2024
Empowering communities to boost access to justice
NationTalk: A new one-time grant will support community-based initiatives to increase access to justice for Albertans. Resolving legal issues outside the traditional court system can be less stressful on the parties involved, less expensive and faster than going to court, and a growing number of Albertans have shown a preference for resolving issues within their...
January 9, 2024
RCMP launches Race-Based Data Collection pilot project
Addressing systemic racism and discrimination is an organizational priority for the RCMP. NationTalk: Ottawa – After two-years of extensive consultations in communities across Canada, the RCMP’s Race-Based Data Collection Initiative will be piloted in select detachments across the country starting in January 2024. The Race-Based Data Collection Initiative aims to collect, analyse and report race-based...
December 8, 2023
Expanding legal supports and services for Indigenous people living in urban areas
NationTalk: Department of Justice Canada – Toronto: Everyone in Canada should expect to live in a society where the justice system is fair and accessible. The Government of Canada is committed to providing fair and equal access to justice for Indigenous and racialized communities and addressing systemic racism and discrimination in all its forms and...
May 11, 2023
RCMP officers to begin field testing Body-worn cameras in Nova Scotia, Nunavut and Alberta
NationTalk: As part of on-going efforts to be transparent and accountable to the communities we serve, the RCMP will start field testing body-worn cameras in three different areas of the country. In the coming days, body-worn cameras will be worn by frontline RCMP officers at select detachments in Nova Scotia, Nunavut and Alberta. Audio and...
April 14, 2023
New program to house, help Indigenous women who are released from jail opens in Saskatoon
Saskatoon Tribal Council will operate program with support from all levels of gov’t. CBC News: The doors are officially open on a new housing unit in Saskatoon built to help women transition back into the community after leaving jail. Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) is in charge of Īkwēskīcik iskwēwak, which is Cree for women turning their lives...
March 31, 2023
New Indigenous Justice Centre coming to Kelowna
INDIGENOUS JUSTICE CENTRES Photo: BCFNJC Indigenous residents in Kelowna will be able to access “culturally appropriate justice services” by the end of this year. Earlier this week, the BC First Nations Justice Council announced five new Indigenous Justice Centres that are being built across the province, in Kelowna, Surrey, Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo. The council says the...
March 14, 2023
Improving access to legal supports and services for Indigenous families in Montreal
NationTalk: Department of Justice Canada Access to justice is a fundamental Canadian value and an integral part of a fair and just society based on the rule of law. Our Government is committed to providing fair and equal access to justice for Indigenous and racialized communities across the country and addressing systemic racism and discrimination...
March 8, 2023
Collaboration With FSIN Enhances Police Oversight
NationTalk: The Government of Saskatchewan is continuing its support of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations’ (FSIN) Special Investigation Unit (SIU) with an operating grant this year of $88,000. “For the past 20 years, the partnership between the Government of Saskatchewan and the FSIN has provided a culturally-sensitive means of submitting public complaints about law...
February 7, 2023
Manitoba Indigenous organizations taking the lead on court supports
Delivery of the Indigenous Court Work Program is being transferred to four groups CBC News: The Manitoba government is restructuring the Indigenous Court Work Program and providing funding to help support Indigenous people involved in the justice system. The process of transferring the delivery of the program, which helps Indigenous people navigate the system, from the province...
January 13, 2023
Ottawa laying groundwork for Indigenous justice systems, says Lametti
Indigenous people make up 32 per cent of federal prison population CBC News: Justice Minister David Lametti says Ottawa is building a foundation to allow Indigenous legal systems to flourish alongside the Canadian justice system. Lametti made the comment Thursday at the new Indigenous Peoples Space on Parliament Hill, where he announced $1.5 million in federal funding...
January 4, 2023
B.C. top court broadens sentencing law aimed at reducing Indigenous incarceration rates
British Columbia’s top court has broadened the sweep of a sentencing law meant to reduce incarceration rates among Indigenous peoples, ruling that Indigenous-specific sentencing can be applied even to offenders who have become disconnected from Indigenous communities and are only minimally aware of their heritage. “Disconnection is one of the very harms associated with Canada’s...
October 7, 2022
Indigenous-Led Program To Help Women Transition Back Into Their Community
NationTalk: Today, the ministries of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety, Justice and Attorney General, and Health announced their partnership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) to collaboratively design and deliver the Īkwēskīcik iskwēwak transition program in Saskatchewan. “Community-based reintegration initiatives such as Īkwēskīcik iskwēwak help ensure supports are in place for individuals transitioning out of...
October 4, 2022
New program to reduce number of Manitoba Indigenous youth in custody
Global News: A new program at Marymound Inc. in Manitoba aims to reduce the number of Indigenous youths involved in the justice system. Zaagiwe Oshinawe Inaakonigewin, which translates to “Love (the) Youth (in) Justice,” is a youth justice program based on Indigenous healing principles. It will connect participants to their community, culture and Indigenous identity while working...
October 3, 2022
Manitoba Government provides culturally safe and supportive programming to reduce Indigenous youth involvement in the Justice System
As part of the Manitoba government’s ongoing efforts to advance reconciliation, healing and support stronger families and safer communities, the province is partnering with Marymound Inc. on a new youth justice program to provide culturally safe and supportive programming to help reduce the disproportionate number of Indigenous youth in custody and on probation, Premier Heather...
September 28, 2022
Alberta Provincial Court releases Indigenous Justice Strategy
The Indigenous Justice Strategy aims to ensure Alberta judges and staff have a clear understanding of Indigenous history, heritage and laws, as well as establishing Indigenous cultural practices in court. But as Morgan Black explains, some critics say it’s a band-aid solution to a systemic issue. Global News (Canadian Press): Alberta’s provincial court has announced...
September 23, 2022
Govt. of BC funds pilot program to address structural factors contributing to Indigenous overrepresentation in the criminal justice system
NationTalk: tkwəɬniwt (Westbank), Syilx Territory, BC: Recommendations from an independent investigation into ‘repeat offenders’ were announced today by the Province of BC. Among these was a recommendation for the Province to fund the development of a pilot project, designed and led by the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) to address the structural factors that...
May 26, 2022
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador invests in Restorative Justice initiative
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: $600,000 in funding to a restorative justice initiative led by Relationships First: Restorative Justice Education Consortium-NL. Relationships First: Restorative Justice Education Consortium-NL, which is chaired by Dr. Dorothy Vaandering and Dr. Rose Ricciardelli, aims to nurture and support relational organizational cultures where children, youth, and adults alike thrive. The funding,...
March 14, 2022
Restorative Research, Innovation and Education Lab at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University
Dept. of Justice: Government of Canada is providing financial support to the Restorative Research, Innovation and Education Lab (Restorative Lab) at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, to accelerate the development of restorative justice across Canada. The institution has received $644,508 in funding over four fiscal years starting in 2019 through the federal...
January 20, 2022
BC First Nations Justice Strategy
Dept. of Justice, Canada – Announcement of the signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) between BC, Canada and BC First Nations Justice Council to support the implementation of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy, as well as funding to support Indigenous Justice Centres in British Columbia. The parties have committed to work together...
January 20, 2022
Signing Tripartite MOU to support BC First Nations Justice Strategy
Dept. of Justice, Canada – Announcement of the signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) between BC, Canada and BC First Nations Justice Council to support the implementation of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy, as well as funding to support Indigenous Justice Centres in British Columbia. The parties have committed to work together on...
January 20, 2022
BC First Nations Justice Strategy
Dept. of Justice, Canada – Announcement of the signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) between BC, Canada and BC First Nations Justice Council to support the implementation of the BC First Nations Justice Strategy, as well as funding to support Indigenous Justice Centres in British Columbia. The parties have committed to work together...
January 6, 2022
Opposition to Gladue Reports
Cabin Radio – Gladue reports are not used and the territorial government says it is not considering using them any time soon. Instead, “Gladue factors” are often incorporated into other forms of pre-sentencing report or presented as evidence by defence lawyers during sentencing and bail hearings. Justice minister RJ Simpson said that while Gladue reports...
November 18, 2021
Alberta Community Restorative Justice Grants.
A total of $720,000 is available for organizations that help resolve disputes and promote meaningful alternative dispute resolutions that hold offenders accountable while addressing victims’ needs. This approach provides better outcomes for victims, lowers reoffending rates and helps ease the burden on the court system. Last year, funding went to 22 organizations. Non-profits can apply...
October 5, 2021
The Virtual Indigenous Justice Centre
Government of BC – The Virtual Indigenous Justice Centre (VIJC) is a partnership between the Province and the BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC). The centre will provide a range of assistance and supports to Indigenous peoples, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis, who are otherwise not eligible and/or cannot access legal aid, including: providing...
June 29, 2021
Transition of Indigenous Court Workers Program to Indigenous organizations
The Manitoba government will transition operations of the Indigenous Court Workers Program to Indigenous rights holder organizations in key regional and circuit court locations through an annual grants of over $1M a year for two years. The funding will go to Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF), the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and...
June 21, 2021
Indigenous Human Rights Strategy
The Commission’s Indigenous Human Rights Strategy (Strategy) will guide the Commission’s practices and initiatives to reduce barriers Indigenous peoples face when seeking to enforce their human rights under the Alberta Human Rights Act. The overarching goals of this strategy are: To help address and reduce systemic racism against Indigenous peoples in health, education, child welfare, housing, justice (including...
June 18, 2021
Indigenous Elders Advisory Council
The Manitoba government has established an Indigenous Elders Advisory Council to provide guidance in addressing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system, Justice Minister Cameron Friesen announced today. The eight-member Indigenous Elders Advisory Council, chaired by Manitoba Justice, meets on a monthly basis and is guided by a Terms of Reference with...
June 15, 2021
Breaking the Cycle: An Update on the Use of Segregation and Solitary Confinement in Manitoba Youth Custody Facilities
The Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth (MACY) is renewing her call for more mental health and cultural supports for youth in custody in the interest of improved rehabilitation and public safety in Breaking the Cycle: An Update on the Use of Segregation and Solitary Confinement in Manitoba Youth Custody Facilities, a special report released...
June 7, 2021
Investments to improve justice in Aboriginal and urban communities
14.1-million investment over four years to implement measures to support justice in Aboriginal and urban communities. The first measure will fund urban community justice programs, mainly through Aboriginal friendship centres. Such initiatives are essential to ensure community-based prevention, guidance, and community mediation services, but also to establish adaptability programs such as the alternative measures program. The...
June 7, 2021
Viens Commission response: investments in Aboriginal and urban community justice programs
Announced measures to support justice in Aboriginal and urban communities. In response to the Viens Commission’s recommendations, the Québec government wishes to further develop Aboriginal community justice and combat the over-representation of this population in the justice system. The investment covers: the establishment of new urban community justice initiatives to satisfy the needs of the First...
April 8, 2021
Budget 2021: Investments in Restorative Justice
Government of Manitoba: Continue $1.2 million in restorative justice initiatives for First Nations and Metis communities. ...
March 5, 2021
Funding for increased deployment of courtworker services
As part of the government’s response to the Viens Commission, the MMIWG Inquiry and the Report on Racism, funding for an increased deployment of courtworker services for Indigenous people ($6 million): Adjustment of the compensation for courtworkers already employed ($1 million); Increased funding for the operation of Indigenous organizations responsible for providing courtworker services ($2.5...
March 5, 2021
Investments Interpreter and other services in Indigenous languages
As part of the government’s response to the Viens Commission, the MMIWG Inquiry and the Report on Racism, $5.5M funding for the improvement and deployment of interpreter services in Indigenous languages Development of agreements with Indigenous organizations for the training, accreditation and hiring of interpreters in Indigenous languages in the context of justice-related activities. In...
March 2, 2021
National Indigenous Courtworkers: Indigenous Youth-Centered Justice Project
Approx. $2.5M over 5 yrs. from from the Youth Justice Fund Support to Ryerson University for its “National Indigenous Courtworkers: Indigenous Youth-Centered Justice Project (IYJP)“. The goal of this project is to improve outcomes for Indigenous youth who are involved in both the child welfare and youth criminal justice system. In partnership with Indigenous Courtworkers in...
January 12, 2021
Custody Rating Scale Class Action Lawsuit
A class-action lawsuit filed in federal court challenges the Custody Rating Scale over systemic bias in its security classifications. “CSC’s ongoing use of [the Custody Rating Scale] on Indigenous inmates must be recognized as the product of deliberate and conscious race-based discriminatory treatment of Indigenous inmates that resulted in and continues to result in, longer and...
December 21, 2020
Departments of Justice and Families create Joint Working Group
Identified a joint working group with the department of Families and Justice that is reviewing the intersections between these two systems and the pathways that lead children and youth from one system into the other. Also included in this work is piloting successful approaches from other jurisdictions that have drastically reduced the number of youths...
December 16, 2020
Mandate letter to Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Canada
The January 2021 mandate letter to the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of Canada David Lametti states as a priority to “introduce legislation and make investments that take action to address systemic inequities in the criminal justice system, including to promote enhanced use of pre- and post-charge diversion and to better enable courts to impose...
November 30, 2020
Implementation of Gladue Principles in the mainstream justice system
These investments will help organizations support rehabilitation of individuals who are in conflict with the law by offering support and solutions, build resilience and a sense of dignity among those impacted by harm, and take into consideration the safety of the communities. The 2020 Fall Economic Statement included $49.3 million to support the implementation of...
November 18, 2020
12 restorative justice projects
Department of Justice Canada – In recognition of Restorative Justice Week (November 15-22) a total of 12 restorative justice projects are being supported through three programs: Justice Canada’s Indigenous Justice Program, Justice Partnership and Innovation Program and Youth Justice Fund. Of the total funding, $5 million goes to research, awareness raising and education activities, including capacity-building...
September 30, 2020
Premier apology to Indigenous and Black citizens for systemic racism in justice
Toronto Star – Premier Stephen McNeil apologized to Black and Indigenous Nova Scotians for systemic racism in the provincial justice system and said the government is committed to reform. McNeil said he putting together a restorative justice team composed of members of the Black and Indigenous communities, as well as members of government and the police,...
September 29, 2020
Premier apology to Indigenous and Black citizens for systemic racism in justice system
CTV News – Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil apologized Tuesday to Black and Indigenous Nova Scotians for systemic racism in the province’s justice system, and said the government is committed to reform. McNeil said he is putting together a restorative justice team composed of members of Black and Indigenous communities, as well as members of government...
June 10, 2020
The Restorative Research, Innovation & Education Lab (RRIELab)
The Restorative Research, Innovation & Education Lab (RRIELab) located in the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University will be led by a fully funded chair held by Professor Jennifer Llewelyn, a distinguished global leader in restorative justice. The lab’s vision is to be a global centre of excellence that will accelerate the growth and...
June 8, 2020
Modernize the Police Act
CTV News (Calgary) – Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Doug Schweitzer we will expedite the government’s current work to modernize the Police Act. This will ensure we have the governance framework and policies in place so Albertans are confident that our police are accountable to the communities they protect. Policing only works when citizens feel assured...
March 6, 2020
First Nations Justice Strategy
The BC First Nations Justice Council (BCFNJC) and the Province endorsed and signed a new First Nations Justice Strategy. The BCFNJC’s action is supported by resolutions from the BC Assembly of First Nations, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs and the First Nations Summit. The First Nations Justice Strategy sets a path for the partners...
March 2, 2020
Investments in restorative justice programs
The Manitoba government is investing more than $2.8 million in restorative justice programs this year, an increase of $400,000 over the previous fiscal year. This increase includes additional investments of $50,000 with both Manitoba Métis Federation and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. The province is providing a $35,000 grant for the City of Thompson to work with...
January 13, 2020
First Indigenous Court in New Westminster
The province’s first Indigenous court was established in New Westminster in 2006, with the seventh iteration scheduled to begin sitting monthly at the Williams Lake courthouse in May. An Indigenous court is a sentencing court — it does not conduct trials, but it provides an Indigenous perspective, based on a holistic and restorative approach, to...
January 13, 2020
First Indigenous court in New Westminster
The province’s first Indigenous court was established in New Westminster in 2006, with the seventh scheduled to begin sitting monthly at the Williams Lake courthouse in May. An Indigenous court is a sentencing court — it does not conduct trials, but it provides an Indigenous perspective, based on a holistic and restorative approach, to sentencing...
November 19, 2019
Engage with Indigenous leaders to identify proactive programs
Government will engage with Indigenous leaders and communities to identify proactive programs, such as the Outland Youth Employment Program, that could provide restorative justice opportunities for youth. Doing so will ensure that young offenders are held accountable while enabling them to receive an education, work experience, and learn critical life skills. A cross-government hub of...
September 19, 2019
Funding to improve access to justice for Inuit
Announced almost $2 million in funding over a two-year period to improve access to justice for the Inuit population to provide support for community members involved in the court process. The investments planned are as follows: $675,000 to be paid in 2019-2020 to correct the shortage of parajudicial advisors and upgrade services, in particular through...
September 19, 2019
Customizing case management plans
Better supporting rehabilitation and reintegration through individualized assessments completed for every admission. As part of an evidence-based approach to incarceration, case management plans will be tailored to address the unique needs of inmates to guide their rehabilitation. Enhanced culturally-responsive programming will be implemented to meet the diverse and unique needs of Indigenous individuals and other over-represented...
August 29, 2019
Gladue Report Writing Pilot Project
The Council of Yukon First Nations has begun to administer the Gladue Report Writing Pilot Project, taking over from the Yukon Legal Services Society, a non-profit organization also known as Legal Aid. The transfer took place August 1, officially putting the project into the hands of Yukon First Nations....
July 9, 2019
Gladue Rights Research Database now has open access
In what started May 2018 as a subscription-based online resource, the Gladue Rights Research Database now has open access through funding from the Law Society of Saskatchewan, Legal Aid Saskatchewan and the province’s Ministry of Corrections and Policing....
July 8, 2019
The Gladue Rights Research Database
In what started May 2018 as a subscription-based online resource, the Gladue Rights Research Database now has open access through $18,000 funding from the Law Society of Saskatchewan, Legal Aid Saskatchewan and the province’s Ministry of Corrections and Policing....
May 17, 2019
Review of Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) Deskbook
The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) Deskbook sets standards of conduct for federal prosecutors to ensure the objectivity, fairness, transparency, and consistency of prosecutions through a compilation of directives and guidelines. The PPSC’s National Committee on the Interaction of Indigenous Peoples with the Criminal Justice System is reviewing the PPSC Deskbook to incorporate Truth...
March 28, 2019
A holistic approach to justice that aligns with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles
Launch of a new pilot project this week to help address issues of mental health, trauma and addictions in the territory’s justice system through a new therapeutic justice program pilot in Cambridge Bay on April 1. The Justice Department calls the new program “a holistic approach to justice that aligns with Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit principles:” “This...
March 6, 2019
Indigenous Justice program
$689,160 over 3 years through Indigenous Justice Program Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) met to discuss the SCO’s First Nations Justice Strategy Program and justice priorities in their communities. SCO’s First Nations Justice Strategy Program uses a restorative justice model that reflects Indigenous...
March 6, 2019
Gladue Reports writing project update
Representatives from the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) and the Yukon Legal Services Society say it’s still too early to tell what difference the pilot program is making, but it’s provided a structured way to get necessary information before Yukon courts. Roster of 3 writers trained, 37 reports written for Indigenous offenders since pilot...
March 6, 2019
Pilot Gladue report writing program update
Representatives from the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) and the Yukon Legal Services Society say it’s still too early to tell what difference the pilot program is making, but it’s provided a structured way to get necessary information before Yukon courts. Roster of 3 writers trained, 37 reports written for Indigenous offenders since pilot...
February 26, 2019
Fair Treatment of Indigenous Peoples in Criminal Prosecutions in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Crown attorneys are now guided by a new comprehensive policy “Fair Treatment of Indigenous Peoples in Criminal Prosecutions in Nova Scotia” when conducting criminal prosecutions involving Indigenous peoples in accordance with the established special legal and constitutional status of Indigenous peoples. The policy references: years of dislocation, lack of economic opportunity, forced family disruption...
February 15, 2019
Nunavik Community Justice Center
Opening of a new community justice centre for Nunavik in the Inuit community of Inukjuak to provide legal information, support and referral services to the general public, free of charge, to complement the services offered by other resources. Makivik Corporation has established the Nunavik Community Justice Center to give Inuit in Nunavik access to relevant...
December 10, 2018
Yukon Phoenix Pilot Project Training Initiative
A\J, or Alternatives Journal – Funding of $11,000 per day through Yukon College for the “Yukon Phoenix Pilot Project Training Initiative” a project to bring together First Nations youth, aged 12 to 14, and Whitehorse-based RCMP officers to participate in an immersive two-day workshop. The pilot aims to foster mutual understanding and respect between police and First Nations...
November 3, 2018
Eleventh Justice Summit: Indigenous II
Nov. 3-4, 2018: Planned in partnership with representatives from the B.C. Aboriginal Justice Council and the Métis Nation British Columbia, the event invited Indigenous leaders and community experts, as well as justice and public safety leaders, to discuss Indigenous peoples’ experiences with B.C.’s justice system and how the system can be improved. Participants discussed the importance...
November 2, 2018
Eleventh Justice Summit: Indigenous II
Planned in partnership with representatives from the B.C. Aboriginal Justice Council and the Métis Nation British Columbia, the event invited Indigenous leaders and community experts, as well as justice and public safety leaders, to discuss Indigenous peoples’ experiences with B.C.’s justice system and how the system can be improved. Participants discussed the importance of increasing the...
July 18, 2018
Restorative justice programs
$360K in grants have been awarded to 16 organizations across Alberta to support voluntary restorative justice programs. Restorative justice focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community. These programs are an alternative or supplement to any sentence and can be initiated at any time during the criminal justice process....
May 15, 2018
Gladue Rights Research Database
The new Gladue Rights Research Database provides lawyers, researchers and others with instant access to the insights and conclusions of more than 500 academic works related to the history of settler colonialism in Saskatchewan. It also includes a large and growing body of oral history resources and key archival documents. The database which was officially launched in...
May 3, 2018
The Correctional Services and Reintegration Act, 2018
The Correctional Services and Reintegration Act, 2018 was passed today and will result in improved conditions, increased transparency, and will apply a consistent and evidence-based approach to rehabilitation and reintegration to better prepare those in custody for a successful and well-supported return to their communities. Specific to the Indigenous population: Ensuring incarcerated individuals have access...
April 26, 2018
Funding for new Community Justice Centres
Community Justice Centres move justice out of the traditional courtroom and into a community setting to help connect individuals with holistic supports that address the root causes of crime. They are justice hubs that bring together services – for example justice, health, Indigenous, mental health and addictions, housing, and social services – to respond to the unique needs of...
April 6, 2018
Special court opened on Wagmatcook First Nation
A special court opened on the Wagmatcook First Nation in Victoria County, Cape Breton, that combines provincial court services, along with Aboriginal Wellness court and Gladue court. (CBC News)...
March 9, 2018
Criminal Justice System Modernization Strategy
Criminal Justice System Modernization Strategy: One of the four strategies is to more effectively using restorative justice to hold less-serious offenders accountable to victims and address the root causes of their criminal behaviour outside the traditional criminal justice system. These approaches help repair the harm done to victims while advancing the mission of reconciliation with...
February 20, 2018
Pilot funding to standardize writing Gladue reports
Yukon is funding $530,000 on 3-year pilot project to formalize and standardize the process of writing Gladue reports for judges sentencing Indigenous offenders. “This is really about getting the best possible information about any individual offender before the court, for consideration in determining what’s an appropriate sentence, and what the variety of that sentence might...
February 20, 2018
Funding for pilot Gladue Report writing program for Indigenous offenders
Yukon is funding a $530,000 three-year pilot project to develop a Gladue Report Writing program for Indigenous offenders to formalize and standardize the process of writing Gladue reports for judges sentencing Indigenous offenders....
February 12, 2018
Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island Tripartite funding agreement with PEI
Five-year tripartite funding agreement with the Province of Prince Edward Island and the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island (MCPEI). This agreement, which will total $600,000, will fund the MCPEI’s Indigenous Justice Program and support community-based justice programming and projects such as justice circles, including accused, victims, families and the community. It also works to...
October 30, 2017
New Bail Directive
Ontario unveiled a new bail directive to reduce barriers faced by Indigenous and racialized communities at the bail stage, ensure low-risk and vulnerable individuals have access to the appropriate supports for safe releases, and speed up the bail process....
October 16, 2017
Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative (ICCI)
CISION – $10M over 5 years for Indigenous Community Corrections Initiative (ICCI) to help previously incarcerated Indigenous Peoples heal, rehabilitate and find good jobs through community-based and culturally relevant projects, with a focus on alternatives to incarceration and on reintegration supports. Eligible projects could include counselling, treatment for addictions, mental health treatment, job training, literacy,...
September 18, 2017
Commitment to reduce the over- representation of Indigenous people
Highlighted the importance of continuing to work together with Yukon First Nations and partners health, education and housing to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous people in justice system and build safer, healthier, stronger communities....
July 18, 2017
Funding for restorative justice initiatives
$360K support for restorative justice initiatives in communities across the province focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community....
March 22, 2017
Budget 2017 investments
$55.5M/5 yrs ($11.1/yr): Funds for Indigenous Justice Program to help reduce overrepresentation of indigenous people in the criminal justice and corrections systems. $65.2/5 yrs.$10.9.yr ongoing: To address the over-representation of Indigenous peoples in the criminal justice and corrections systems and help previously incarcerated Indigenous Peoples heal, rehabilitate and find good jobs,” ...
February 21, 2017
Law Foundation of Ontario funding
Law Foundation of Ontario is providing $104,083 in one-time funding the Winkler Institute at Osgoode Hall Law School and Ryerson University’s Legal Innovation Zone to examine the roles technology and innovation can play to improve access to justice for young people....
January 2, 2017
New guidelines for Gladue/Indigenous Peioples’s courts
Ontario has 15 Gladue/Indigenous People’s courts. New guidelines for the establishment and scheduling of Ontario Court of Justice’s specialized criminal courts including courts dedicated to addressing the over-representation of Indigenous persons in the justice system, were introduced. Aboriginal Legal Services prepares Gladue reports for 22 courts throughout Ontario...
January 1, 2017
Educational workshops for lawyers
Under the auspices of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association (CLA), a series of educational workshops (Jan-June 2017) organized by Shaunna Kelly, Hicks Adams LLP aims to demystify aboriginal justice issues to boost awareness and understanding of Gladue Court....
January 1, 2017
Educational workshops for lawyers on Gladue court
Under the auspices of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association (CLA), a series of educational workshops (Jan-June 2017) organized by Shaunna Kelly, Hicks Adams LLP aims to demystify aboriginal justice issues to boost awareness and understanding of Gladue Court....