To achieve its strategic outcomes, the Department of Justice develops, provides guidance and implements policies, laws and programs in the areas of Aboriginal justice, criminal justice, family justice, access to justice and private international and public law.
The Department also provides responsive legal services and systems, including dispute prevention and resolution services, to government at large and to a number of portfolios: Justice; Aboriginal Affairs; Business and Regulatory Law; Central Agencies; Citizenship, Immigration and Public Safety; and Tax Law.
The Department of Justice strives to achieve its policy objectives through various means, including a number of ongoing and new program initiatives designed to provide a fair, effective, efficient and accessible justice system. Many of these initiatives are carried out in partnership with federal, provincial, territorial, municipal, international and non-governmental partners, including non-profit and volunteer organizations.
Visit the Programs Branch Web site for more information about specific funding programs administered by the Department.
The following links provide further information on some specific areas of the Department's activities.
The Department monitors trends in criminal law, develops and implements options for criminal law reform and provides a centre of expertise for criminal law and procedure, criminal justice policy, sentencing and victims issues.
The Department develops and implements policy and program initiatives affecting Canadian families, children and young people.
The Department promotes access to the justice system by working with provinces and territories, non-governmental and community-based organizations to develop and implement policies and laws that enhance access to justice, including access to justice in both official languages, while respecting the diverse nature and needs of all Canadians.
The Department elaborates and implements programs that provide technical legal assistance in various countries engaged in reforming and strengthening their legal system. The Department also manages international activities involving the participation of the Minister of Justice and senior officials, as well as the participation of foreign ministers or senior officials visiting Canada.
The Department develops and implements policy and laws aimed at addressing the needs of Aboriginal people in the justice system.