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Details of Transfer Payment Programs (TPPs)

(TPPs exceed $5 million during the reporting year.)

*** Please note that Audits completed or planned sections were deemed non-applicable (n/a) as no internal audits were completed or planned during the reporting period for the various TPPs. As per TBS guidelines, departments are required only to report on internal audits (as reported on in the Internal Audits Table).

Table of Contents

Legal Aid Systems

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program:

Legal Aid Systems (Voted)

2. Start date:

August 17, 1971

3. End date:

March 31, 2012 and ongoing

4. Description:

The objective of the federal Legal Aid Program is to contribute to sustaining a national system of justice, that helps to ensure that economically disadvantaged persons have access to the justice system, through contribution funding in support of criminal, youth criminal justice and immigration and refugee legal aid services provided by the provinces (funding for criminal and civil legal aid in the territories is provided through the Access to Justice Agreements).
Recipients: Provinces

5. Strategic Outcome:

A fair, relevant and accessible justice system that reflects Canadian values.

6. Results Achieved:

Provinces were enabled to provide legal aid services to eligible persons involved in serious criminal, youth criminal justice, and immigration and refugee matters.

($ millions)
  7. Actual
Spending
2007-08
8. Actual
Spending
2008-09
9. Planned
Spending
2009-10
10. Total
Authorities
2009-10
11. Actual
Spending
2009-10
12. Variance(s)
13. Program Activity: Justice policies, laws and programs
14. Total Contributions $119,827,507 $119,827,507 $119,827,507 $125,827,508 $125,827,507 -$6,000,000
15. Total Program Activity(ies) $119,827,507 $119,827,507 $119,827,507 $125,827,508 $125,827,507 -$6,000,000

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s):

Additional resources were provided to address the increased costs faced by the 6 provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia) providing immigration and refugee legal aid.

17. Audit completed or planned:

N/A

18. Evaluation completed or planned:

The Legal Aid Program Impact Evaluation activities are being conducted over a five-year period. In 2009-2010, the Legal Aid Program Impact Design Study was completed (December 2009). The Legal Aid Program Impact Evaluation is planned to be completed in the 2011-12 fiscal year.

Youth Justice Services Funding Program

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program:

Youth Justice Services Funding Program (Voted)

2. Start date:

April 1, 1984

3. End date:

March 31, 2011 and ongoing

4. Description:

The overall objective of this Program is to support the policy directions of the Youth Justice Initiative. The specific objectives of the individual agreements are to support and promote an appropriate range of programs and services that: encourage accountability measures for unlawful behaviour that are proportionate and timely; encourage the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of young persons into their communities; target the formal court process to the most serious offences; and target detention and custody to the most serious offences.
Recipients: Provinces and territories

5. Strategic Outcome:

A fair, relevant and accessible justice system that reflects Canadian values.

6. Results Achieved:

Despite the capping of federal funding under this Program since 2006-07, the Provinces and Territories appear to have been able to maintain most of the high priority services developed under the previous agreements.

($ millions)
  7. Actual
Spending
2007-08
8. Actual
Spending
2008-09
9. Planned
Spending
2009-10
10. Total
Authorities
2009-10
11. Actual
Spending
2009-10
12. Variance(s)
13. Program Activity: Justice policies, laws and programs
14. Total Contributions $177,302,415 $177,302,415 $177,302,415 $177,302,415 $177,302,415 $0
15. Total Program Activity(ies) $177,302,415 $177,302,415 $177,302,415 $177,302,415 $177,302,415 $0

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s):

N/A

17. Audit completed or planned:

N/A

18. Evaluation completed or planned:

A summative evaluation of the funding components of the Youth Justice Initiative undertaken during 2009-10 is expected to be completed in 2010-11.

Victims of Crime Initiative

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program:

Victims of Crime Initiative (Voted)

2. Start date:

April 1, 2000

3. End date:

March 31, 2011

4. Description:

The Policy Centre for Victim Issues (PCVI) administers the federal Victims Fund, which has a broad set of objectives that are intended to improve the experience of victims in the criminal justice system. The Fund can be accessed by victim service providers, non-governmental organizations, provincial and territorial governments, victim advocates and researchers, as well as victims (Canadians who are victimized abroad, as well as Correction Services Canada registered victims and their support persons to attend National Parole Board hearings).

Recipients: a) individuals b) national, provincial, territorial, municipal, Aboriginal, community or professional organizations, societies or associations c) Canadian educational institutions/Boards of Education d) International governmental and non-government 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 Aboriginal communities g) provincial, territorial, municipal and regional governments and agencies.

5. Strategic Outcome:

A fair, relevant and accessible justice system that reflects Canadian values)

6. Results Achieved:

In 2009/10, the Victims Fund mainly provided:

  • $233, 202 in funding for 346 victims and 89 support persons to attend National Parole Board hearings.
  • $313,173 in direct funding for 57 Canadians victimized abroad.
  • $2,198,000 in grants and contributions funding to a wide range of stakeholders for 67 projects including training events, program evaluations, research and community activities.
  • $712,997 in contribution funding to provinces and territories to help meet the needs of under-served victims of crime and/or to help support victims in attending sentencing hearings and in submitting their Victim Impact Statements.
  • $619,072 in funding to support 76 organizations/communities across Canada to organize and host events in recognition of victims of crime during the fourth annual "National Victims of Crime Awareness Week".
  • $367,941 in contribution funding to provinces and territories to support implementation of legislation to benefit victims or to advance the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime.
  • $421,596 in financial assistance to seven provinces and territories to implement victim-related Criminal Code provisions in 2009-2010.
($ millions)
  7. Actual
Spending
2007-08
8. Actual
Spending
2008-09
9. Planned
Spending
2009-10
10. Total
Authorities
2009-10
11. Actual
Spending
2009-10
12. Variance(s)
13. Program Activity: Justice policies, laws and programs
14. Total Grants $239,788 $398,752 $850,000 $850,000 $842,605 $7,395
14. Total Contributions $2,426,494 $3,100,934 $7,958,000 $7,808,000 $4,067,867 $3,890,133
15. Total Program Activity(ies) $2,666,282 $3,499,686 $8,808,000 $8,658,000 $4,910,472 $3,897,528

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s):

Funding criteria has been established and shared with jurisdictions, but some of these jurisdictions have not been able to seek their funds due to limitations in their internal capacity. In the North, for example, where there is a well-known shortage of capacity and infrastructure, $1.2M in funding lapsed due to lack of uptake. PCVI is working with its partners in the North to improve Northern uptake of this funding going forward. Outreach has and continues to be conducted with NGOs and other stakeholders to increase their uptake of federal dollars.

In the Financial Assistance component of the Fund, 2009-2010 saw an increase in the number of individuals who received funding to attend NPB hearings. As the NPB controls the number of hearings that are scheduled in a year, the distribution of funding to victims and support persons to attend hearings is difficult to predict or forecast. Additionally, the number of individuals assisted under the Canadians Victimized Abroad program has increased since its inception but is still not at anticipated levels.

It should also be noted that the resource requirements in administering the Victims Fund were underestimated and internal capacity at Justice Canada has limited our ability to deliver funding. For example, processing one application for an individual victimized abroad requires a significant amount of person hours due to the need for sensitivity to the victim and to the issues faced by the victim. Working with NGOs, Aboriginal organizations and/or PT partners to develop strong and viable proposals, particularly in an emerging area, which satisfy government requirements for due diligence is a resource intensive process.

In the next iteration of the Federal Victim Strategy, improvements to the criteria, processes and administration of the Fund will be proposed to ensure that federal funding meets the needs of victims of crime. For example, PT partners and NGOs will be encouraged to seek funding for longer-term funding to augment victim services across the country and develop new services where required.

17. Audit completed or planned:

N/A

18. Evaluation completed or planned:

The summative evaluation of the FVS will be completed by Fall 2010. This summative evaluation will include findings of the work done between 2005-2010 on all aspects of the Federal Victim Strategy. Mid-term evaluations and case studies done to date have found no major concerns in the management and implementation of the Strategy.

Perceptions of stakeholders about the role of victims in the criminal justice system and changes in awareness of the victim-related provisions in the Code are being collected and will be reported on more fully in the Federal Victims Strategy summative evaluation in the fall of 2010. Anecdotal evidence to date has been positive on the contribution of the Federal Victim Strategy to improve the perceptions of stakeholders.

Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program:

Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program (Voted)

2. Start date:

April 1, 2002

3. End date:

March 31, 2013 and ongoing

4. Description:

The overall objective of this Program is to financially assist provinces and territories in providing the specialized therapeutic services required for the implementation of the Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision (IRCS) sentence [paragraph 42(2) (r) and subsection 42(7) of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA)] and other sentencing options applicable under the YCJA to serious violent youth offenders with mental health problems. It is expected that these services may reduce future violence in those convicted of the most serious violent offences.
Recipients: Provinces and territories.

5. Strategic Outcome:

A fair, relevant and accessible justice system that reflects Canadian values.

6. Results Achieved:

During 2009-10, a total of 17 Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision (IRCS) orders were issued by the courts and became eligible for federal funding, bringing the total number of active IRCS cases funded to 43. In addition, another 11 exceptional cases were approved for funding during 2009-10, bringing the total number of other active cases to 12.

($ millions)
  7. Actual
Spending
2007-08
8. Actual
Spending
2008-09
9. Planned
Spending
2009-10
10. Total
Authorities
2009-10
11. Actual
Spending
2009-10
12. Variance(s)
13. Program Activity: Justice policies, laws and programs
14. Total Contributions $4,039,250 $9,028,126 $11,048,000 $10,748,000 $10,561,587 $486,413
15. Total Program Activity(ies) $4,039,250 $9,028,126 $11,048,000 $10,748,000 $10,561,587 $486,413

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s):

Spending under this Program is largely dependent on court decisions and as such remains highly unpredictable.

17. Audit completed or planned:

N/A

18. Evaluation completed or planned:

A summative evaluation of the funding components of the Youth Justice Initiative undertaken during 2009-10 is expected to be completed in 2010-11.

Contravention Act Fund

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program:

Implementation of Official languages Requirements in respect of the Contraventions Act (Voted)

2. Start date:

April 1, 2002

3. End date:

March 31, 2013 and ongoing

4. Description:

The mechanics of the Contraventions Act includes the identification of federal offences that are to be considered "contraventions" and the establishment of a scheme to process these contraventions. In 2001, the Federal Court was asked to clarify the extent to which judicial and extra-judicial language rights requirements were applicable in the context of the Contraventions Act. The Court concluded that while the federal government is authorized to use the prosecution scheme of a province or territory to process federal contraventions, it must comply with all language rights requirements that would be applicable in the context of a federal prosecution scheme. More specifically, the Court stated that any level of government that processes federal contraventions is, in fact, acting on behalf of the Government of Canada.

Following the Federal Court decision, the Department of Justice initiated the process of amending existing Contraventions Act agreements to include new provisions addressing language rights requirements identified in the ruling. Such provisions are now also an integral part of all new agreements with other provinces. To support this process, the Department of Justice has received funding that is referred to as the Contraventions Act Fund.
Recipients: Provincial and territorial departments and agencies and municipalities designated by provincial and territorial governments as being responsible for judicial activities and for providing extra-judicial services in both official languages.

5. Strategic Outcome:

A fair, relevant and accessible justice system that reflects Canadian values.

6. Results Achieved:

Four provinces (British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Nova Scotia) have entered into an agreement with the Department and, as a result, are fully prepared to offer trials dealing with federal contraventions in a manner consistent with language rights protected in sections 530 and 530.1 of the Criminal Code. The same four provinces have also taken measures to actively offer extra-judicial services in both official languages in all court locations covered by Part IV of the Official Languages Act. Nova Scotia increased its scope of activities to include more signage and bilingual personnel.

Negotiations with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador advanced in 2009-2010. It is anticipated that this agreement will be in place for fiscal year 2010-2011.

Negotiations have been ongoing with the Government of Prince Edward Island to amend the current agreement to include new provisions that will increase PEI's capacity to offer judicial and extrajudicial services in both official languages.

Negotiations are ongoing with the Government of Québec to revise the current Implementation Agreement.

($ millions)
  7. Actual
Spending
2007-08
8. Actual
Spending
2008-09
9. Planned
Spending
2009-10
10. Total
Authorities
2009-10
11. Actual
Spending
2009-10
12. Variance(s)
13. Program Activity: Justice policies, laws and programs
14. Total Contributions $2,779,800 $4,289,100 $9,094,900 $4,594,900 $4,580,600 $4,514,300
15. Total Program Activity(ies) $2,779,800 $4,289,100 $9,094,900 $4,594,900 $4,580,600 $4,514,300

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s):

The actual spending was lower than anticipated for the following reasons:
The province of Newfoundland and Labrador did not sign an agreement in 2009-2010 as anticipated.

The province of Prince Edward Island did not sign an agreement in 2009-2010.

17. Audit completed or planned:

N/A

18. Evaluation completed or planned:

The Department undertook an evaluation of the Contraventions Act to better understand the experience of enforcement officers and federal departments in using the ticketing system included in the Act. This evaluation is complementary to those evaluations that the Department already conducted of the Contraventions Act Fund, which provides assistance in the delivery of services in both official languages.

2010-11: Mid-term Evaluation of the Fund

2011-13: Summative Evaluation of the Fund (The summative evaluation will be conducted over two years: 2011-2012 and 2012-2013).

Access to Justice Services Agreements - the territories

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program:

Access to Justice Services Agreements - the Territories (Voted)

2. Start date:

April 1, 1997

3. End date:

March 31, 2012 and ongoing

4. Description:

The objective of the Access to Justice Services Agreements (AJAs) is to integrate federal government funding support to Canada's three territories for access to justice services (both criminal and civil legal aid, Aboriginal Courtwork, and Public Legal Education and Information) through ongoing contribution agreements that allow the territories the flexibility needed to provide these services in a challenging environment (vast distances, harsh climate, cultural/linguistic differences). The overarching goal of federal support for Aboriginal Courtwork services is to facilitate and enhance access to justice by assisting Aboriginal people involved in the criminal justice system to obtain fair, just, equitable and culturally sensitive treatment. With regard to legal aid services in the territories, the federal goal is to enable the territories to provide legal aid services to economically disadvantaged persons involved in serious criminal matters. And, with respect to public legal education and information, the goal is to assist the territories in providing members of the public with the legal information they need to make informed decisions and participate effectively in the justice system.
Recipients: Territorial governments. In certain instances (e.g. of court-ordered counsel in federal prosecutions), the recipient may also be a territorial access to justice services delivery entity.

5. Strategic Outcome:

A fair, relevant and accessible justice system that reflects Canadian values

6. Results Achieved:

Through contribution agreements, the three territories are enabled to provide access to justice services (legal aid, Aboriginal Courtwork and public legal education and information). Contribution funding agreements have been extended with all three territories for one-year, 2010-2011.

($ millions)
  7. Actual
Spending
2007-08
8. Actual
Spending
2008-09
9. Planned
Spending
2009-10
10. Total
Authorities
2009-10
11. Actual
Spending
2009-10
12. Variance(s)
13. Program Activity: Justice policies, laws and programs
14. Total Contributions $5,156,593 $5,368,593 $4,856,593 $5,156,593 $5,156,593 -$300,000
15. Total Program Activity(ies) $5,156,593 $5,368,593 $4,856,593 $5,156,593 $5,156,593 -$300,000

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s):

Additional resources were provided to address severe pressures faced by the territories in delivering access to justice services.

17. Audit completed or planned:

N/A

18. Evaluation completed or planned:

An Evaluation Framework for the Access to Justice Service Agreements is being developed in 2010/2011.

Supporting Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce Fund

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program:

Supporting Families Fund (Voted)1

2. Start date:

April 1, 2009

3. End date:

March 31, 2014

4. 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. 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 family law reforms concerning parenting arrangements, child support guidelines and support enforcements.

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 Public Legal Education and Information and Professional Training component of the Fund:

  1. individuals;
  2. non-profit professional organizations, societies or associations;
  3. other non-profit organizations, societies or associations;
  4. educational institutions;
  5. private sector organizations sponsoring non-profit projects in partnership with federal, provincial, or territorial governments.

5. Strategic Outcome:

A fair, relevant and accessible justice system that reflects Canadian values.

6. Results Achieved:

  • Provided funding in the amount of $501,819 to 16 non-governmental organizations to deliver activities related to divorce and separation issues in Canada.
  • Provided financial support to the provinces and territories in the amount of $15,346,000 to support the delivery of family justice related services and programs.
($ millions)
  7. Actual
Spending
2007-08
8. Actual
Spending
2008-09
9. Planned
Spending
2009-10
10. Total
Authorities
2009-10
11. Actual
Spending
2009-10
12. Variance(s)
13. Program Activity: Justice policies, laws and programs
14. Total Grants $0 $7,600 $50,000 $29,970 $29,970 $20,030
14. Total Contributions $16,250,027 $15,992,391 $15,950,000 $15,970,030 $15,847,819 $102,181
15. Total Program Activity(ies) $16,250,027 $15,999,991 $16,000,000 $16,000,000 $15,877,789 $122,211

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s):

The actual spending was lower than anticipated for the following reasons:

Under the Supporting Families Initiative, the amount of funding available to each jurisdiction and funding criteria has been established and shared with jurisdictions. Due to limitations in their internal capacity, some jurisdictions were not able to fully utilize the funds available to them in 2009-2010.

Fewer grant proposals than anticipated were received under the PLEI and Professional training component of the SF Fund in fiscal year 2009-2010.

17. Audit completed or planned:

N/A

18. Evaluation completed or planned:

The impact evaluation of the Supporting Families Initiative will be initiated in 2012/13, so that results will be available before the SFI's funding cycle is completed in March 2014.

Aboriginal Courtwork Program

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program:

Aboriginal Courtwork Program (Voted)

2. Start date:

April 1, 1978

3. End date:

March 31, 2013 and ongoing

4. Description:

The objective of the Aboriginal Courtwork Program is to improve access to justice by helping Aboriginal people involved in the criminal justice system obtain fair, just, equitable and culturally-sensitive treatment. It is the only ongoing contribution funding justice program available to all Aboriginal people (adult and youth) regardless of status and residency. The Program provides Aboriginal persons charged with an offence with timely and accurate information on their rights, obligations, roles and responsibilities at the earliest possible stage of the criminal justice process. Services also include referring clients to appropriate legal and social resources in their community. Aboriginal Courtworkers serve as a "bridge" between criminal justice officials and Aboriginal people and communities, by providing information, cultural context, liaison and promoting communications and understanding.

Recipients: Provincial governments. A province may authorize one or more agencies to deliver Aboriginal Courtwork services on its behalf. All designated delivery agencies will be accountable to the funders. In addition, the new Projects in Support of the Aboriginal Courtwork Program component provide modest support for projects that further the mandate of the Program.

5. Strategic Outcome:

A fair, relevant and accessible justice system that reflects Canadian values

6. Results Achieved:

  • Contribution agreements with the provinces supported the delivery of Aboriginal Courtwork services to ensure access to justice for Aboriginal people within the mainstream Canadian justice system that promoted fair, equitable and culturally relevant treatment before the courts. Over 200 Aboriginal Courtworkers employed by over 20 different service delivery agencies across Canada provided services to 51,555 adults and 10,534 youth.
  • A map titled Location of Aboriginal Justice Strategy and Aboriginal Courtwork Programs in Canada has been printed and is being distributed. The map will be available on the internet in 2010/2011.
  • Over the past 2 years, 29 projects have been funded in support of the Aboriginal Courtwork Program. Projects funded have focussed primarily on training for Aboriginal Courtworkers, research into issues of importance for courtwork delivery agencies and public legal education and information.
($ millions)
  7. Actual
Spending
2007-08
8. Actual
Spending
2008-09
9. Planned
Spending
2009-10
10. Total
Authorities
2009-10
11. Actual
Spending
2009-10
12. Variance(s)
13. Program Activity: Justice policies, laws and programs
14. Total Contributions $4,836,363 $5,320,708 $4,911,363 $5,411,363 $5,366,085 -$454,722
15. Total Program Activity(ies) $4,836,363 $5,320,708 $4,911,363 $5,411,363 $5,366,085 -$454,722

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s):

The Aboriginal Courtwork Program expanded its terms and conditions in February 2008, to include a new component, "Projects in support of the Aboriginal Courtwork Program". The costs associated with the new component exceeded the forecasted budget.

17. Audit completed or planned:

N/A

18. Evaluation completed or planned:

The Summative Evaluation was completed in June 2008. A national client survey is planned for 2011-2012.

Aboriginal Justice Strategy

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program:

Aboriginal Justice Strategy (Voted)

2. Start date:

April 1, 1991 as Aboriginal Justice Initiative, renewed as Aboriginal Justice Strategy in 1996, 2002, 2007

3. End date:

March 31, 2012

4. Description:

The Aboriginal Justice Strategy (AJS) enables Aboriginal communities to have increased involvement in the local administration of justice and, as such, provides timely and effective alternatives to mainstream justice processes in appropriate circumstances. AJS programs are also aimed at reducing the rates of victimization, crime and incarceration among Aboriginal people in communities operating AJS programs, and helping the mainstream justice system become more responsive and sensitive to the needs and culture of Aboriginal communities.

Recipients: a) bands, First Nations, Tribal Councils, local, regional and national Aboriginal organizations; b) agencies and institutions of regional/municipal governments; c) non-profit community organizations, societies, and associations which 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.

5. Strategic Outcome:

A fair, relevant and accessible justice system that reflects Canadian values

6. Results Achieved:

  • In 2009-2010, the AJS supported 1422 community-based justice programs serving approximately 400 Aboriginal communities across Canada and 47 capacity-building projects which support Aboriginal communities' involvement in the local administration of justice. This includes an increase of 25 capacity-building programs as compared to last fiscal year.
  • A map titled Location of Aboriginal Justice Strategy and Aboriginal Courtwork Programs in Canada has been printed and is being distributed. The map will be available on the internet in 2010/2011.
($ millions)
  7. Actual
Spending
2007-08
8. Actual
Spending
.2008-09
9. Planned
Spending
2009-10
10. Total
Authorities
2009-10
11. Actual
Spending
2009-10
12. Variance(s)
13. Program Activity: Justice policies, laws and programs
14. Total Grants $96,996 $13,105 $260,000 $85,836 $85,836 $174,164
14. Total Contributions $9,586,445 $11,706,919 $12,240,000 $11,914,164 $11,904,293 $335,707
15. Total Program Activity(ies) $9,683,441 $11,720,024 $12,500,000 $12,000,000 $11,990,129 $509,871

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s):

Actual spending was lower than anticipated due to a late fall national call for proposals under the Capacity Building Fund. As well, the negotiations and signing of some of the funding agreements under the Community-Based Justice Programs Fund occurred late in the fiscal year which contributed to the lower than anticipated spending.

17. Audit completed or planned:

N/A

18. Evaluation completed or planned:

The formative evaluation has been drafted and is currently under review. It is expected that the evaluation will be finalized by fall 2010. A summative evaluation is planned for 2011-2012.

Youth Justice Fund

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program:

Youth Justice Fund (Voted)

2. Start date:

April 1, 1999

3. End date:

Ongoing

4. Description:

The Youth Justice Fund provides grants and contributions to projects that encourage a fairer and more effective youth justice system, respond to emerging youth justice issues and enable greater citizen and community participation in the youth justice system. The Fund includes three components: the Youth Justice Main Fund, Drug Treatment under the National Anti-Drugs Strategy, and Guns, Gangs and Drugs.

The Fund supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of pilot projects that provide programming and services for youth in conflict with the law. It supports professional development activities such as training and conferences for justice professionals and youth service providers. Additionally, it funds research on the youth justice system and related issues.

Projects must target youth who are between the ages of 12 and 17 and currently in conflict with the law, or justice professionals and/or service providers who work with these youth.

Recipients: Non-governmental organizations, youth justice stakeholders, Aboriginal organizations and provinces/territories.

5. Strategic Outcome:

A fair, relevant and accessible justice system that reflects Canadian values

6. Results Achieved:

The Youth Justice Fund supported 70 innovative projects in 2009-2010. These included 32 projects to promote the making of "smart choices" through community-based educational, cultural, sporting and vocational opportunities targeting youth involved in gun, gang and drug activities; 39 projects to enhance the range of treatment services and programs targeting young persons in conflict with the law who have illicit substance abuse issues; and 21 projects targeting other priorities, including youth in conflict with the law with FASD. (Some projects targeted more than one of the above priorities.)

The Fund initiated two major Calls for Proposals in 2009-2010, one resulting in the organization of 21 regional conferences on gang-involved youth, the other in the development of 11 directories to help police refer youth to appropriate community programming under section 6 of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

($ millions)
  7. Actual
Spending
2007-08
8. Actual
Spending
2008-09
9. Planned
Spending
2009-10
10. Total
Authorities
2009-10
11. Actual
Spending
2009-10
12. Variance(s)
13. Program Activity: Justice policies, laws and programs
14. Total Grants $519,890 $384,169 $730,000 $730,000 $632,739 $97,261
14. Total Contributions $2,415,577 $2,805,596 $4,275,000 $4,275,000 $3,796,700 $478,300
15. Total Program Activity(ies) $2,935,467 $3,189,765 $5,005,000 $5,005,000 $4,429,439 $575,561

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s):

The Youth Justice Fund's variance has decreased significantly in the last two years, from approximately 40% in 2007-2008 to slightly over 10% in 2009-2010. This is due to greater uptake, as the Guns, Gangs and Drugs and Drug Treatment components become better known; the Fund's increasing focus on larger, multi-year projects; and management initiatives, including Calls for Proposals in areas of priority. The variance is expected to decrease even further, if not disappear completely, in 2010-2011.

17. Audit completed or planned:

N/A

18. Evaluation completed or planned:

The Youth Justice Fund was included in an evaluation of the Youth Justice Funding Components (which also included the Youth Justice Services Funding Program and IRCS). This evaluation is being finalized in 2010-2011.

Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program:

Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund (Voted)

2. Start date:

April 1, 2003

3. End date:

March 31, 2013 and ongoing

4. Description:

In June 2008, the Government launched the Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future. The Department of Justice supports the Roadmap through the Initiative in Support of Access to Justice in Both Official Languages. This Initiative includes a consulting mechanism, a training Component in both Official Languages for Justice personnel, a component to encourage young bilingual Canadians to pursue law related careers in justice and a grants and contributions program called the Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund (the Support Fund).

Objectives: In order to attain the objectives of the Initiative, the Department will invest resources into the Support Fund. All projects and activities must respond to one of the following objectives:

  • Increase the capacity of the justice system and its stakeholders to offer justice services in both official languages.
  • 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.
  • Canadian institutions/boards of education, including Centres for jurilinguistics.

5. Strategic Outcome:

A fair, relevant and accessible justice system that reflects Canadian values

6. Results Achieved:

  • The Department continued to provide ongoing financial support to the Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française en common law and its seven member associations.
  • The Department funded 33 projects that responded to the needs of official language minority communities across Canada of which 14 were related to the new Justice training component under the Support Fund
  • The Department held an Access to Justice in both Official Languages Sub-Committee meeting in November 2009 to engage the official language minority communities. The objective of the meeting was to enable participants to generate ideas for potential partnerships to develop projects in line with the recommendations of the Canada-wide Analysis of Official Language Training Needs in the Area of Justice.
($ millions)
  7. Actual
Spending
2007-08
8. Actual
Spending
2008-09
9. Planned
Spending
2009-10
10. Total
Authorities
2009-10
11. Actual
Spending
2009-10
12. Variance(s)
13. Program Activity: Justice policies, laws and programs
14. Total Grants $43,320 $49,912 $50,000 $50,000 $0 $50,000
14. Total Contributions $2,798,219 $2,776,839 $5,176,846 $5,176,845 $3,295,230 $1,881,616
15. Total Program Activity(ies) $2,841,539 $2,826,751 $5,226,846 $5,226,845 $3,295,230 $1,931,616

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s):

There were fewer projects than anticipated related to the training component that were received and approved in fiscal year 2009-2010.

17. Audit completed or planned:

N/A

18. Evaluation completed or planned:

Study - Canada-wide Analysis of Official Language Training Needs in the Area of Justice, March 31, 2009.

  1. Note: Supporting Families Fund replaced the former Child-centred Family Justice Fund which terminated on March 31st, 2009
  2. Flow through agreements are in place in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories which provide Federal support to 38 community-based justice programs in the region.