Federal government collaborates with communities on inaugural Black Justice Strategy

The justice department is to use the investment for the following purposes: 

• Developing Black-specific court worker/navigation services 
• Expanding the use of Impact of Race and Culture Assessment reports at decision points in the criminal justice system aside from sentencing 
• Developing supports for Black victims and survivors of crime 
• Extending the External Steering Group to advise on implementing the Black Justice Strategy 
• Developing Black-specific diversion, conferencing, and bail supervision projects for youth 

“We are privileged to live in a country that values human rights and places equality at its core. However, despite these values, anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination exist in Canadian society. Canada’s first ever Black Justice Strategy is a significant first step towards transformative action, including addressing the underlying socioeconomic factors that contribute to inequality,” Virani said in a statement.  

Other funds will be allocated as follows: 

• $1 million over two years to Statistics Canada to address data gaps and investigate outcome disparities for Black people 
• $8.8 million over two years to Health Canada to broaden culturally appropriate mental health supports and substance use and addictions programs for Black Canadians 
• $9.5 million over two years to Employment and Social Development Canada to support the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program 
• $189 million over five years to Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada to back the Black Entrepreneurship Program 
• $16.7 million over two years to Public Safety Canada to support Black-led and Black-serving community organizations 
• $18.2 million over two years to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to establish an Anti-Racism Unit 
• $7.9 million over two years to Correctional Service Canada’s Black Offender Strategy 
• $1.8 million over two years to the Canada School of Public Service to develop anti-Black racism education and training 

The “2024 Fall Economic Statement” also pitched a $36 million investment over 2025-2026 into the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative.