Backgrounder

Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) Review

The Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) has been in place for five years. The government believes the 5th anniversary provides an excellent opportunity to review the Act’s successes and limitations with a view to strengthening it in response to public and stakeholder concerns surrounding youth justice. 

In November 2007, the Government announced the beginning of the YCJA Review and that the Minister would conduct roundtables and accept submissions from the public. These consultations would help to identify areas of concern and possible improvements regarding the provisions and principles of the YCJA. 

Given the role of the provincial and territorial governments in the administration of youth justice across Canada, their views on the youth justice system, and the Youth Criminal Justice Act, are essential. The Minister of Justice first met with all provincial and territorial Attorneys General in February 2008 to discuss how the Act could be improved.  Along with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, provincial and territorial Attorneys General have also co-chaired roundtables with front-line youth justice stakeholders across Canada.

Stakeholders, partners, and interested Canadians may also participate in the review by sending submissions by e-mail (ycjareview@justice.gc.ca) or regular mail before Friday, August 15, 2008. 

The YCJA Review is a consultative process. The Government will study the feedback obtained from stakeholder consultations and submissions and allow this feedback to inform future legislative options.

Information gathered through the YCJA Review will provide critical context for denunciation and deterrence and pre-trial detention reforms as proposed by Bill C-25, currently before Parliament.

For further information about the youth criminal justice system and the YCJA Review please visit http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/yj-jj/.

-30-

July 2008