Project background

Anti-Black racism is rooted in Canada’s history through colonialism, slavery, segregation, restrictive immigration policies, and other discriminatory practices. This history sets the stage for the experiences of subsequent generations of Black Canadians, and more recently, Black newcomers. Systemic anti-Black discrimination is imbedded in government decisions, society, development of public policies, decision-making, and services that result in differential outcomes for people of African Descent, and Black communities in Canada. Canada cannot thrive as a society when certain communities face barriers preventing them from reaching their full potential.

In December 2021, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, the Honorable David Lametti, was mandated to develop Canada’s Black Justice Strategy with the support of the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and in consultation and cooperation with provinces, territories and Black communities. Canada’s Black Justice Strategy aims to address anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination, which has contributed to the overrepresentation of Black people in the criminal justice system. Canada’s Black Justice Strategy Division at the Department of Justice collaborated with the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat at Canadian Heritage to embed the Strategy in an anti-Black racism and anti-oppression lens.

Inclusive consultations will be essential to ensure Canada’s Black Justice Strategy reflects the diversity of backgrounds, experiences and expertise of Black communities across Canada, including key intersectionalities, such as language, gender, age, ethno-cultural background, religion, immigration status, sexual orientation, disability, geographic location and experience or expertise with the criminal justice system. It is integral that this work is through an anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination lens as well as a GBA Plus lens.

Through their existing relationships and connections, organizations will engage with members of Black communities and those with direct knowledge of Black communities’ experiences with the criminal justice system. In addition, a Steering Group for Canada’s Black Justice Strategy has been established to provide strategic advice on key elements for the development of the Strategy. The Steering Group is comprised of representatives of Black communities with diverse background, experience and expertise related to the criminal justice system. Finally, two authors with expertise in Canada’s criminal justice system to draft the Canada’s Black Justice Strategy Framework.

The Framework will help guide and inform the work of the Steering Group and the consultation process. In addition, the two authors will draft Canada’s Black Justice Strategy, which will include the findings and discussions from each city/region where consultations were held.