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 and the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations announced that the Government of Canada is providing financial support for a project from DESTA Black Youth Network that offers access to a hub of services, partnerships and legal information and resources to empower local Black communities in Montréal through programs rooted in social and economic justice.
Through its A Social Justice Approach to Reintegration project, DESTA will expand their existing "Re-Entry" program to further support the re-integration of Black individuals from custody to the community. A legal component will be added to the program to meet the intricate legal needs of its participants in relation to community reintegration. The project will also develop a "Know Your Rights" campaign to promote legal knowledge and empower community members with resources they need to better navigate the criminal justice system. This campaign will help participants who are either in custody, re-integrating into society, and/or families directly affected by such circumstances.
Justice Canada is providing $278,560 over two years (2022-23 to 2023-24) through the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program.
