Introduction

As presently constructed, Canada’s justice system does not provide Black Canadians with equal treatment and equal protection before the law. As a result, Black Canadians have and continue to have disproportionately negative treatment when encountering elements of the justice system. There is an urgent need to address the situation as it worsens.

The CBJS will also help respond to the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024) call to action, which recognizes the barriers experienced by Black people, including in the criminal justice system, and urges reform and modernization of justice systems worldwide.

In September and October 2023, Jaku Konbit, in partnership with a coalition of Black-focused organizations across the nations, were invited by the Department of Justice Canada to lead engagement sessions with Black Canadians with the intent of assembling a comprehensive collection of data and firsthand experiences, illuminating the persisting anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination within the criminal justice system. Jaku Konbit engaged Black community members in Ottawa and the Gatineau-Aylmer parts of Quebec in the national capital region, as well as Black residents from Eastern Ontario rural communities. Considering the diversity of Black communities, online surveys and in-person engagement sessions were in English, French and various languages of Black ethnic groups (Somali and Amharic).

Leveraging the strong community relations that Jaku Konbit has nurtured over its 23 years of existence, we were able to reach 170 participants representing Black youth, Black adults, and Black legal professionals: lawyers, police officers, correctional services workers, including those working with Black youth, Black social workers including mental health practitioners, and Black community-led and serving organizations.

During the sessions, participants described their interactions with the different elements of the justice system. They discussed frustrations with the lack of progress despite an abundance of data and efforts by Black communities to improve relationships with police. Participants described the physical and mental toll on their well-being due to interactions with a systemically anti-Black criminal justice system. They also shared their ideas on improvements in the criminal justice system. They urged the facilitators to ensure the Department of Justice Canada understood the urgency of the matter, as the injustice contributes to the erosion of trust between Black communities and the Government of Canada.

About Jaku Konbit

Jaku Konbit is a registered non-profit community-based organization that has served our national capital community since 2000. Jaku Konbit's mission is to support individuals and families of African and Caribbean descent and other equity-deserving individuals through community partnership and programming that results in successful economic and civic participation in Canadian society. Our approach stems from Afrocentric and cultural paradigms that draw from our dynamic history to deliver programs that foster strength and resilience in individuals and families.

Jaku Konbit offers a variety of programs and services aimed at empowering Black youth and facilitating their entry into the workforce. These initiatives provide young individuals the necessary skills and resources to thrive professionally. We are also dedicated to providing programming for adults and elders and the broader community so they can thrive in the community.

We are known for our long-standing commitment to delivering programs that cater to the well-being of individuals with African and Caribbean heritage while also being inclusive of Ottawa's culturally diverse community. Every year, Jaku Konbit reaches individuals within the Black community in Ottawa and the surrounding area. In 2022, our programs and initiatives served over 3,000 individuals and families in the community. The programs and services annually support and guide 150 young individuals in pursuing successful employment and career development.