Info Source: Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information

Institutional Functions, Programs and Activities

Information regarding the organization of the Department of Justice Canada may be found here.

The Department's functions, activities and programs consist of:

STEWARDSHIP OF THE CANADIAN LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Under Canada's federal system, the administration of justice is an area of shared jurisdiction between the federal government and the provinces and territories. The Department of Justice Canada fulfils its responsibility in ensuring a bilingual and bijural national legal framework for the administration of justice by developing policies and laws and testing innovative approaches in order to strengthen the framework within the following domains: criminal law, youth criminal justice, sentencing, marriage and divorce, access to justice and Aboriginal justice. The Department also provides significant ongoing funding to provinces and territories in support of their responsibility for the day to day administration of justice.

ABORIGINAL JUSTICE

The Department assists Aboriginal people in creating, administering, and accessing a fair and culturally-sensitive justice system. In partnership with provinces, territories and Aboriginal communities, it develops informed and responsive policies for ongoing and effective program delivery. Additionally, it supports the development of capacity at the community-level to increase knowledge and effectively navigate the mainstream justice system and culturally-relevant justice alternatives. Aboriginal justice is a shared responsibility across levels of government.

Aboriginal Courtwork
Description: Includes records related to the Aboriginal Courtwork Program which provides ongoing funding to provinces in order to increase access to justice for all Aboriginal people who come into contact with the criminal justice system by ensuring they receive fair, equitable, culturally sensitive treatment. Provinces use this funding to hire Aboriginal Courtworkers who assist accused Aboriginal by providing non-legal advice as well as referrals to services such as legal aid, alcohol and drug treatment as well as family counselling. Records may also include information related to procedures and policies, program design, analysis and evaluation, program administration, training, community referrals, contract terms and conditions, and language requirements.
Document Types: Briefing notes, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, contribution agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, copies of relevant legislation, statistical reports and surveys, contract and supporting documentation, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Number: JUS 1.1.1

Aboriginal Justice Policy Development
Description: Includes records relating to Aboriginal justice policy development, which contributes to the development and maintenance of a fair and accessible justice system by law reform, policy analysis and development, program delivery, ongoing research and evaluation. Records include those related to planning, developing and implementing laws, policies and programs dealing with Aboriginal justice issues.
Document Types: Bills, briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, legal opinions, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, House of Commons proceedings, regulations, opinions, appeals, appearance notices, warrants, subpoenas, summons, procedures, proceedings, treaties, studies.
Record Number: JUS 1.1.2

Aboriginal Justice Strategy
Description: Includes records related to the Aboriginal Justice Strategy, which seeks to respond to the high Aboriginal contact rate with the criminal justice system by focusing on: community-based justice alternatives for less serious offences; increasing Aboriginal community participation in the local administration of justice; reducing crime and victimization in communities operating Aboriginal Justice Strategy programs; and reflecting Aboriginal values in the mainstream justice system. Records may include information relating to diversion or alternative measures, community sentencing circles and peacemaking, First Nations and Tribal Councils, urban Aboriginal coalitions, Inuit hamlets, Métis Organizations, and other non-profit organizations. Records may also include information related to eligibility criteria, procedures and policies, program design and analysis, and program administration.
Document Types: Evaluation criteria and final reports, fact sheets, annual activities reports, committee records (including agendas, minutes of meetings and list of members), speaking notes, program proposals (including objectives, budgets, plans, staff, reports and statistics, anticipated results as well as deliverables), communications plans, guidelines and other supporting documentation, final reports and evaluations, financial records (including budgets, lists of expenses, agreements and application assessments), background papers, briefings and consultations, correspondence, Memoranda of Understanding, presentations, procedures and publications.
Record Number: JUS 1.1.3

ACCESS TO JUSTICE

The Department seeks to enable Canadians in obtaining the information and assistance they need to resolve their legal issues, whether through the formal justice system or through alternative resolution mechanisms. It promotes access to justice through research, programs and policy initiatives, as well as through funding of non-governmental organizations, Aboriginal groups, communities, provinces and territories.

Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Initiative
Description: Includes records related to the initiative in support of access to justice in both official languages, which comprises a grant and contribution program, a justice training component and a consultation mechanism with community stakeholders as well as the provinces and territories. The Initiative aims to develop innovative solutions to emerging access to justice in official-languages-related issues and to raise awareness among the legal community and the official languages minority communities regarding the exercise of their rights and other issues related to access to justice in both official languages.
Document Types: Bills, briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Number: JUS 1.2.1

Access to Justice Policy Development
Description: Includes records relating to access to justice policy development, which contributes to the development and maintenance of a fair and accessible justice system by law reform, policy analysis and development, program delivery, ongoing research and evaluation. Records may include those related to planning, developing and implementing laws, policies and programs dealing with access to justice issues.
Document Types: Bills, briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, legal opinions, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, House of Commons proceedings, regulations, opinions, appeals, appearance notices, warrants, subpoenas, summons, procedures, proceedings, treaties, and studies.
Record Number: JUS 1.2.2

Access to Justice Services in the Territories
Description: Includes records related to access to justice services agreements, which integrate federal government funding support to Canada's three territories for access to justice services (including criminal and civil legal aid, the Aboriginal Courtwork Program, and public legal education and information) through ongoing contribution agreements. These agreements allow the territories the flexibility needed to provide these services in a challenging environment (vast distances, harsh climate or cultural/linguistic differences).
Document Types: Briefing notes, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, contribution agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, copies of relevant legislation, statistical reports and surveys, contract and supporting documentation, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Numbers: JUS 1.2.3

Contraventions Act Fund - Official Languages
Description: Includes records relating to the implementation and administration of the Contraventions Act Fund, established pursuant to the Contraventions Act, which provides funding to provinces and territories in order to support language rights requirements. In the case of judicial services, the Fund ensures that the provinces and territories, acting on behalf of the federal government, comply with the language rights set out in section 530 and 530.1 of the Criminal Code, which pertain to the language of the accused. In the case of extra-judicial services, the Fund ensures that they comply with the language obligations set out under Part IV of the Official Languages Act, which deal with communications with and services to the public, including active offer.
Document Types: Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Number: JUS 1.2.4

Court-ordered Counsel in Federal Prosecutions
Description: Includes records related to court-ordered counsel in federal prosecutions, under which the Legal Aid Program provides funding to provinces and territories in order to administer court-ordered defence counsel on behalf of the federal government. These cases involve federal prosecutions where the criminal charge is serious and there is a likelihood of incarceration upon conviction. This funding lessens the likelihood of a stay of proceedings due to lack of defence counsel.
Document Types: Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Number: JUS 1.2.5

Justice Partnership and Innovation
Description: Includes records related to funding that provides support for innovative projects that ensure greater access to the justice system. This funding supports activities that respond effectively to the changing conditions affecting Canadian justice policy. It contributes to a more informed and engaged public and legal community with regard to the law and the legal system as well as to policy development in the Department.
Document Types: Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Number: JUS 1.2.6

Legal Aid
Description: Includes records related to the Legal Aid Program, which provides significant, ongoing funding to provinces in support of their constitutional responsibility for the provision of criminal legal aid services as well as temporary funding for immigration and refugee legal aid. Provinces use this funding to support legal aid services for economically disadvantaged adults facing serious criminal charges and youths charged under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act as well as for legal aid in immigration and refugee matters.
Document Types: Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, legal opinions, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and funding documentation.
Record Number: JUS 1.2.7

Legal Aid - Public Security and Anti-Terrorism
Description: Includes records related to Legal Aid in Public Security and Anti-Terrorism (PSAT), under which the Legal Aid Program provides contributions to the provinces and territories to cover costs for persons eligible for legal aid and charged under the federal government's anti-terrorism legislation. This funding is necessary given the federal government's strong policy interest in national security and related legal proceedings.
Document Types: Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, legal opinions, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, and meeting documents.
Record Number: JUS 1.2.8

Special Advocates
Description: Includes records related to the Special Advocates Program, created pursuant to Division 9 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which is intended to strike the appropriate balance between the named person's right to a fair hearing and the need to protect information, the disclosure of which would be injurious to national security or would endanger the safety of any person. Special advocates represent the interests of the permanent resident or foreign national when evidence is heard in the absence of the public, the subject of the security certificate and their legal counsel. Special advocates are funded by, but not affiliated with, the federal government.
Document Types: Briefing notes, clause by clause analysis, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, contribution agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, copies of relevant legislation, statistical reports and surveys, contract and supporting documentation, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Number: 1.2.9

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

The Department develops and coordinates all federal policy and legislation in the area of criminal law, including: monitoring developments in criminal law and policy, procedure, security and terrorism, and sentencing; the development and implementation of options for criminal law and policy reforms including through legislation; and the provision of advice to other departments in matters related to the criminal law. It works closely with the provinces and territories in support of their responsibility for the day to day administration of justice. The Department also responds to Parliamentary business involving criminal law matters, including government bills, private members' bills and Parliamentary reviews. Through its criminal justice expertise, it supports the government's international priorities related to justice- namely, the provision of policy advice in the development of Canada's international justice policies, the negotiation and implementation of international norms dealing with global crime and security issues in international fora, as well as the provision of technical assistance to foreign countries seeking to reform their justice systems.

Criminal Conviction Review
Description: Includes records pertaining to the Criminal Conviction Review process, mandated by the Criminal Code, which provides the Minister of Justice of Canada with the power to review a conviction in order to determine whether there may have been a miscarriage of justice. Upon submission of an application for ministerial review, a preliminary assessment is conducted. Records related to the preliminary assessment phase may include copies of documentation related to the criminal investigation, such as eye-witness statements, scientific testing, reports and consultations with law enforcement organizations. Dependent on the outcome of the preliminary assessment, records may also include those related to the investigation phase of the criminal conviction review process. Upon completion of an investigation, advice is provided to the Minister on whether a remedy is warranted in a particular criminal conviction case. An annual report is submitted to Parliament regarding the applications submitted and reviewed each fiscal year, which contains statistical data and other information related to the review process.
Document Types: Submissions, ministerial correspondence, applications, investigations, assessments, reports, memoranda, reference materials, waivers, forms, consultation documents and copies of investigative or court documents.
Record number: JUS 1.3.1

Criminal Justice Policy Development
Description: Includes records related to criminal justice policy development, which contributes to the development and maintenance of a fair and accessible justice system by law reform, policy analysis and development, program delivery, ongoing research and evaluation. Records include those related to planning, developing and implementing laws, policies and programs dealing with criminal law issues (substantive and procedural), including youth criminal justice and sentencing.
Document Types: Bills, briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, legal opinions, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, House of Commons proceedings, regulations, opinions, appeals, appearance notices, warrants, subpoenas, summons, procedures, proceedings, treaties, and studies.
Record Number: JUS 1.3.2

Drug Treatment Courts
Description: Includes records related to the Drug Treatment Courts (DTCs) Program, which provides funding in order to support a comprehensive approach to reducing the number of crimes committed to support drug dependence. DTCs include the following interrelated components: judicial supervision, comprehensive substance abuse treatment, random and frequent drug testing, incentives and sanctions, clinical case management, and social services support.
Document Types: Briefing notes, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, contribution agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, copies of relevant legislation, statistical reports and surveys, contract and supporting documentation, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Number: JUS 1.3.3

Family Violence Initiative
Description: Includes records pertaining to the Department's role in the federal government's Family Violence Initiative, of which the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative is a component. This role aims to reduce family violence in Canada by strengthening the justice system's response to the issue. Records may include information related to: assessing the response of professionals and the criminal justice system to family violence; developing new strategies, models and tools to improve service or program delivery to family violence victims in crisis; providing funding to Public Legal Education and Information (PLEI) organizations in order to raise public awareness of the legal issues surrounding family violence; and developing and implementing support for child victims of or witnesses to family violence as participants in the criminal justice process. Records may also include information related to addressing the needs of service providers for hard-to-reach and vulnerable groups, such as those in rural, aboriginal and elderly communities.
Document Types: Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Number: JUS 1.3.4

Integrated Market Enforcement Teams
Description: Includes records related to the Integrated Market Enforcement Teams (IMET) Reserve Fund which encourages provinces to participate in the IMET Program as well as to play a role in the prosecution of IMET-generated cases by providing funding to provincial Attorneys-General that would defray exceptional costs related to these prosecutions.
Document Types: Briefing notes, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, contribution agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, copies of relevant legislation, statistical reports and surveys, contract and supporting documentation, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Number: JUS 1.3.5

Intensive Rehabilitative Custody & Supervision
Description: Includes records related to the Intensive Rehabilitative Custody and Supervision Program, which financially assists the provinces and territories in providing the specialized services required for serious violent youth offenders with mental health issues, in order to implement the intensive rehabilitative custody and supervision sentence pursuant to paragraph 42(2)(r) and subsection 42(7) of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other sentencing options applicable under the Act. It is expected that these services might reduce the likelihood of further violence in those convicted of the most serious violent offences.
Document Types: Briefing notes, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, contribution agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, copies of relevant legislation, statistical reports and surveys, contract and supporting documentation, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Number: JUS 1.3.6

International Development - Technical Assistance
Description: Includes records related to the development and implementation of technical assistance initiatives in support of foreign countries' efforts to improve their justice system. These initiatives are consistent with core Department of Justice Canada priorities, such as enhancing domestic security by strengthening the rule of law and anti-crime capacity abroad, as well as with justice sector reform priorities of the Canadian International Development Agency and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Document Types: Briefing notes, administrative arrangements, memoranda of understanding, contracts, research reports, assessment reports, reference materials, correspondence, and mission/visits schedules and agendas.
Record Number: JUS 1.3.7

Victims of Crime
Description: Records may include information related to funding from various programs of projects and activities that encourage the development of new approaches in: promoting access to justice for victims of crime; improving the capacity of service providers; fostering the establishment of referral networks; and/or increasing awareness of services available to victims of crime and their families. Additionally, funding provides financial assistance for victims of crime in specific circumstances. It also contributes to the creation of Child Advocacy Centres or the enhancement of existing centres, in order to assist them in providing a coordinated approach in addressing the needs of children involved in the justice system either as victims of or as witnesses to crime. Records also include those related to the Victims of Crime Initiative, which supports provinces and territories in developing policy and projects aimed at enhancing the role of the victim in the criminal justice system and achieving a better balance between the rights of victims and offenders.
Document Types: Briefing notes, impact statements, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, fact sheets, reference materials, reviews, feasibility studies, presentations, meeting documents, audit and financial documentation, final reports and evaluations, Treasury Board submissions, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, Green Papers, and Option Papers.
Record Number: JUS 1.3.8

Youth Justice Fund
Description: Includes records related to the Youth Justice Fund which funds activities designed to achieve a fairer, more effective youth justice system and to enable greater citizen/community participation in the youth justice system. The provincial, territorial and federal governments have a long-standing partnership on youth justice based on shared jurisdiction, a common commitment to young people and the benefits of pursuing integrated approaches to troubled youth.
Document Types: Briefing notes, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Number: JUS 1.3.9

Youth Justice Services
Description: Includes records related to Youth Justice Services, which support the policy directions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act by financially assisting the provinces and territories in their provision of a range of youth justice services and programs that are consistent with federal policy objectives. The specific objectives of the individual agreements with provinces and territories are: to support and promote an appropriate range of programs and services that encourage accountability measures for unlawful behaviour that are proportionate and timely; to encourage the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of young persons into their communities; to target the formal court process toward the most serious offences; and to target detention and custody toward the most serious offences.
Document Types: Briefing notes, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, plans, policies, contribution agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, copies of relevant legislation, statistical reports and surveys, contract and supporting documentation, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Number: JUS 1.3.10

FAMILY JUSTICE

The Department provides analysis, advice and litigation support in areas of marriage, divorce, and child support and custody/access enforcement. It develops and implements policy and program initiatives and family law reforms in consultation with provinces and territories. It also delivers services that assist in the enforcement of support orders and agreements and the detection of duplicate divorce proceedings. The aim of departmental family justice activities is to contribute to the development and maintenance of a child-centered family justice system that facilitates access to justice and encourages parents to comply with their family obligations.

Family Justice Policy Development
Description: Includes records related to family justice policy development, which contributes to the development and maintenance of a fair and accessible justice system by law reform, policy analysis and development, program delivery, ongoing research and evaluation. Records include those related to planning, developing and implementing laws, policies and programs dealing with family law issues.
Document Types: Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Number: JUS 1.4.1

Family Law Services
Description: Includes records related to activities which trace individuals in default of a family provision, intercepts federal payments that would otherwise go to individuals who are in default of their family support obligations, and orders the suspension or denial of federal licences and passports. These records also include information contained within several databases: the Family Orders and Agreement Enforcement Assistance (FOAEA) automated information system; the Central Registry to Divorce Proceedings (CRDP), a nation-wide registry of divorce actions; and the Garnishment, Attachment and Pension Diversion Registry (GAPDA), which permits the garnishment of federal public servants' salaries and payments to federal contractors within the National Capital Region.
Document Types: Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation.
Record Number: JUS 1.4.2

Supporting Families Fund
Description: Includes records related to funding for a range of services, programs and information resources that assist separating or divorcing parents in gaining access to the family justice system. This includes information related to the Supporting Families Experiencing Separation and Divorce Initiative, which provides funding to provinces and territories for their family justice services and to non-governmental organizations for their public legal education and information activities, professional training projects and information resources that promote parental compliance with financial support, custody and access obligations.
Document Types: Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, and audit and financial documentation.
Record number: JUS 1.4.3

OFFICE OF THE FEDERAL OMBUDSMAN FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME

The mandate of the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime is to: assist victims of crime in accessing federal programs and services; provide an independent resource that addresses complaints from victims about compliance with the provisions of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, which applies to victims of offenders under federal supervision; promote awareness among criminal justice personnel and policy makers of the needs and concerns of victims and the applicable laws that benefit victims of crime, including promoting the principles set out in the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime with respect to matters of federal jurisdiction; identify and review emerging and systemic issues that negatively impact victims of crime, including those related to programs and services provided or administered by the Departments of Justice Canada or of Public Safety Canada; and facilitate access by victims to existing federal programs and services by providing them with information and referrals. The Ombudsman reports directly to the Minister of Justice Canada and as such, the Office is an arm's-length activity from the Department, falling outside of its governance framework.

Reviews, Inquiries and Recommendations
Description: Includes records related to the requests for information from or the complaints made by victims of crime, victim advocates and victim service organisations that are received by the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime. In addition, records may include research and review of emerging and systemic issues that impact negatively on victims of crime, with a view of making recommendations to the federal government.
Document Types: Presentations, communiqués, reports, assessments, notes, correspondence, analysis, legal advice, summaries, intake forms, interviews , waiver and consent forms, activity logs, memoranda, findings, reviews, reports and recommendations, case files.
Record Number: JUS 2.0.1

LEGAL SERVICES TO THE GOVERNMENT PROGRAM

The Department of Justice Canada provides an integrated suite of high quality legal advisory, litigation and legislative services to the Minister of Justice Canada and to all federal departments and agencies in order to support them in meeting the federal government's policy and programming priorities as well to advance the overall objectives of the Government. Services are provided through: a network of departmental legal services units co-located with client departments and agencies; specialized legal capacities within national headquarters; and a network of regional offices and sub-offices providing legal advisory and litigation services to federal departments and agencies across the country.

Advisory Services
Description: Includes records related to the provision of legal advice and opinions to client departments and agencies as well as to the Department. Records provide detailed descriptions of a client's situation or question, interpretation of legal instruments, review of documents, description of possible courses of action and related correspondence.
Document Types: Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, legal opinions, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, reports, reference materials, and meeting documents.
Record Number: JUS 3.0.1

Commissions of Inquiry
Description: Includes records related to commissions of inquiry that are called by the Governor-in-Council to fully and impartially investigate issues of national importance. The mandate of a commission of inquiry, whether advisory or investigative, depends on the nature of the issue to be considered.
Document Types: Commission reports, briefings, submissions, evidence, and working papers.
Record Number: JUS 3.0.2

General International Relations
Description: Includes records pertaining to the planning, coordination and organization of international visits to and from the Department. This includes exchanges between the Department and international delegations interested in learning more about Canadian approaches to specific justice system issues.
Document Types: Briefing notes, administrative arrangements, contracts, research reports, reference materials, correspondence, and mission/visit schedules and agendas.
Record Number: JUS 3.0.3

Judicial Affairs - Courts and Tribunal Support
Description: Records may include information related to judicial affairs activities associated with the development and implementation of justice-related policies, law reforms and special initiatives (JACTP). This includes: the provision of legal advice on a wide range of issues, including the scope and application of the judicature provisions of the Canadian Constitution; the application of the Judges Act; judicial independence; judicial compensation and benefits; the judicial appointments process; the structure and jurisdiction of superior and other courts; the structure, jurisdiction, complement and facilities of the Supreme Court of Canada, Federal Court of Appeal, Federal Court as well as the Tax Court of Canada; judicial discipline; technology in the courts; bilingual capacity of judges; international activities of judges; and federal government contact with the courts. JACTP also provides policy support when changes are proposed to the federal judicial appointment process.
Document Types: memoranda of law and facts, reports and studies, research material, communication strategies, guidelines, surveys, Bills, briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, legal opinions, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reference materials, presentations, and meeting documents.
Record number: JUS 3.0.4

Legislative Services
Description: Includes records related to the activities associated with: the drafting of all federal government bills and motions to amend; the drafting and examination of proposed regulations; the official publishing of Acts of Parliament following Royal Assent and related tables; the updating and consolidation of federal statutes and regulations; and the systematic review of both existing and new legislation. Records may also include work done to ensure that the civil law and common law traditions are reflected in federal laws and regulations in both official languages.
Document Types: Bills, briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, Treasury Board submissions, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, meeting documents, publications, jurilinguistic and bijural reviews, statutes, regulations, proposals, and Orders in Council.
Record Number: JUS 3.0.5

Litigation Services
Description: Includes records related to the legal support associated with the regulation and conduct of litigation provided to client departments and agencies, with an anticipated or actual appearance before a court or tribunal. Records include case preparation and management as well as advocacy and examination. They may also include alternative dispute prevention and resolution.
Document Types: Briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, legal opinions, conference documents, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, communiqués, reports, reference materials, meeting documents, minutes and court documents including statements of claim and defence, factums, and reasons for judgment.
Record Number: JUS 3.0.6

Private International Law and Public Law Policy Development
Description: Includes records related to private international law and public law policy development, which contribute to the development and maintenance of a fair and accessible justice system by law reform, policy analysis and development, program delivery, ongoing research and evaluation. Records include those related to planning, developing and implementing laws, policies and programs with private international law and public law issues.
Document Types: Bills, briefing notes, clause-by-clause analyses, consultation documents, ministerial correspondence, Green Papers, legal opinions, letters, memoranda, Memoranda of Understanding, Memoranda to Cabinet, Options Papers, Question and Answers (Q & A), Question Period notes, speeches, White Papers, plans, policies, agreements, communiqués, reports, reference materials, presentations, meeting documents, House of Commons proceedings, regulations, opinions, appeals, appearance notices, warrants, subpoenas, summons, procedures, proceedings, treaties, and studies.
Record Number: JUS 3.0.7

INTERNAL SERVICES

Internal services constitute groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are management and oversight services, communications services, legal services, human resources management services, financial management services, information management services, information technology services, real property services, materiel services, acquisition services, and travel and other administrative services. Internal services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

LEGEND

  • Standard Class of Records (CoRs)
    • Standard Personal Information Banks (PIBs)

ACQUISITION SERVICES

Acquisition services involve activities undertaken to acquire a good or service to fulfill a properly completed request (including a complete and accurate definition of requirements and certification that funds are available) until entering into or amending a contract.

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Communications services involve activities undertaken to ensure that Government of Canada communications are effectively managed, well coordinated and responsive to the diverse information needs of the public. The communications management function ensures that the public-internal or external-receives government information, and that the views and concerns of the public are taken into account in the planning, management and evaluation of policies, programs, services and initiatives.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Financial management services involve activities undertaken to ensure the prudent use of public resources, including planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, control and oversight, analysis, decision support and advice, and financial systems.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Human resources management services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction, allocating resources among services and processes, as well as activities relating to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies and plans.

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Information management services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective information management to support program and service delivery; foster informed decision making; facilitate accountability, transparency and collaboration; and preserve and ensure access to information and records for the benefit of present and future generations.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Information technology services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective use of information technology to support government priorities and program delivery, to increase productivity, and to enhance services to the public.

LEGAL SERVICES

Legal services involve activities undertaken to enable government departments and agencies to pursue policy, program and service delivery priorities and objectives within a legally sound framework.

Legal Services Class of Record

MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT SERVICES

Management and oversight services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction and allocating resources among services and processes, as well as those activities related to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies or plans.

MATERIEL SERVICES

Materiel services involve activities undertaken to ensure that materiel can be managed by departments in a sustainable and financially responsible manner that supports the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.

REAL PROPERTY SERVICES

Real property services involve activities undertaken to ensure that real property is managed in a sustainable and financially responsible manner, throughout its life cycle, to support the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.

TRAVEL AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Travel and other administrative services include Government of Canada travel services, as well as those other internal services that do not smoothly fit with any of the internal services categories.