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 in all its forms and in all phases of the justice system.
Today, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, accompanied by Na'kuset, Executive Director of the Native Women's Shelter of Montreal (NWSM), announced support to improve access to justice for Indigenous families in Montreal, Quebec.
The NWSM Family Care Legal Clinic provides free legal advice and support services to Indigenous women, youth, and families. It also offers public legal education information and sessions to help Indigenous families in Montreal better understand their rights and the rights of their children, including in the context of youth protection, child custody and domestic violence.
Through its services, the Clinic will help address the numerous gaps and barriers in accessing justice far too often faced by Indigenous families in Canada. By providing free legal advice, support, and learning opportunities, the NWSM and its Clinic empower Indigenous women and families to affirm their legal rights. This, in turn, helps address the alarming rates of overrepresentation of Indigenous children in foster care.
Justice Canada is providing $919,275 over four years through the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program to support the NWSM's Family Care Legal Clinic. This funding began on October 1, 2022.
