Recommendations

The recommendations from this consultation process can be summarized simply as “Diversity”. Greater diversity is essential among those working throughout the justice system in order to eliminate biases and racism.

The five pillars of Social determinants of justice, Policing, Courts and legislation, Corrections, and Reintegration and re-entry need to be inclusive of workers from diverse populations, especially Blacks. The participants strongly feel that all levels of government need more diversity throughout the justice system. When speaking of adequate funding for Legal Aid, social assistance, addictions, mental health, etc, that translates into equal representation of the Members of Parliament as it is at this level where decisions are made to fund such. Therefore, while equal representation must happen in policing, corrections, courts and legislation, reintegration and re-entry; equal representation must also happen in Parliament. Anything otherwise reflects discrimination and racism.

To further support diversity, participants also strongly recommend those working throughout all levels within the justice system be trained in anti-racism to create a system where every person, regardless of race or colour, will be treated with fairness and without fear of discrimination.