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 in all phases of the justice system.
To mark Human Rights Day on December 10, the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and James Maloney, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, joined Beth Boros, Interim Co-Executive Director of Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC), to announce funding for a project to offer free, culturally appropriate legal support and education for Indigenous people living in Ontario's urban areas.
Funding will expand the Indigenous Human Rights Legal Clinic project, a collaboration between the OFIFC and Pro Bono Students Canada. This project is supported by volunteer lawyers and law students who provide legal advice and information on various topics including human and civil rights. It also includes a podcast to share information on systemic discrimination and racial profiling.
Justice Canada is providing $999,999 over three years (2023-2026) for the Indigenous Human Rights Legal Clinic project through the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program.
With these funds, OFIFC will be able to hire additional coordinators to provide legal support and education to more urban Indigenous communities. This will help build knowledge of Indigenous human and civil rights and assist individuals to navigate the justice system.
OFIFC works to improve the quality of life for Indigenous people living in urban environments by supporting self-determined activities which encourage equal access to and participation in Canadian society and which respect Indigenous cultural distinctiveness.
