Access to justice is a fundamental Canadian value and an integral part of a fair and just society based on the rule of law. The Government of Canada is committed to providing fair and equal access to justice for Black 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, Vanessa Fells of the African Nova Scotian Decade for People of African Descent Coalition (ANSDPAD), Darrell Samson, Member of Parliament for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia, and Robert Wright, Executive Director of the African Nova Scotian Justice Institute (ANSJI), announced financial support for legal information and resources to empower local Black communities in Nova Scotia through programs rooted in social and economic justice.
With this investment, ANSDPAD will hire a full-time lawyer, legal assistant and legal support and research person to provide free independent legal information and advice to clients of the ANSJI. These legal professionals will assist Black persons when navigating informal and formal legal processes in Nova Scotia. The focus is on human rights, employment discrimination, policing issues and access to justice. They will also oversee initiatives related to public legal education and support.
Justice Canada is providing $607,200 over three years through the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program for this initiative.
