Conclusion

The community engagement sessions, consultations, and online survey to discuss Canada’s Black Justice Strategy were collaborative and meaningful. These sessions demonstrate consensus that the imperative for extensive and focused reforms aimed at addressing the fundamental sources of anti-Black racism and racial inequalities. Systemic racism and oppression shapes both the disproportionate presence of Black individuals within the criminal justice system as subjects and the disproportionate absence of Black individuals within the justice system working in enforcement, the legal system, corrections, community re-entry and reintegration, and the social determinants of justice. As a country, we are currently in a situation where the lives of Black community members are deeply impacted by practices, policies, and decisions made and enacted, in large part, without involvement of or understanding about Black people. Consequently, there is consensus that any successful Strategy must confront these deep-seated structural issues that sustain and perpetuate injustice.

A consistent theme that surfaced during the interaction sessions underscored the significance of fostering trust between the Black community and the justice system. To achieve this, participants stressed the necessity for heightened cultural competency and sensitivity among law enforcement officers, prosecutors, lawyers, judges, correctional staff, reintegration actors, and those employed in the sectors correlated to the social determinants of justice. They also emphasized the need for increased accountability, oversight, and transparency across social actors and institutions working in all areas of the 5 pillars of the CBJS. Participants communicated the importance of cultivating respectful institutional cultures, advancing diversity within the justice system, and incorporating unbiased practices.

The sessions consistently emphasized the significance of empowering and endorsing community-led initiatives. Participants highlighted the need for active engagement of Black organizations and community groups in the conception, execution, and assessment of initiatives focused on diminishing racial disparities and enhancing the overall experience of the Black community within and outside of the justice system. This participatory approach would ensure that solutions are not only tailored to the distinct needs of the community but are also sustainable in the long run.

Yet another critical aspect that surfaced during the community engagement sessions was the imperative for data collection, research, and evaluation to guide evidence-based decision-making and track progress. Participants emphasized the significance of systematically gathering and reviewing data pertaining to racial disparities in the justice system, along with assessing the impact of implemented reforms. This data-driven approach serves not only to pinpoint areas needing attention but also facilitates continuous monitoring and accountability. That said, participants across the country made clear that data collected must be used to repair racial harms and increase equity and justice for Black people in Canada. Participants recognized that punitive measures often worsen existing inequalities and contribute to cycles of reoffending. Given this, community engagement participants have urgently called for a rehaul of the system through the recommendations proposed here to build and maintain a truly rehabilitative justice system.