Access to justice is a fundamental Canadian value and an integral part of a fair and just society based on the rule of law. The Government of Canada is committed to providing fair and equal access to justice for members of 2SLGBTQI+ and racialized communities across the country and addressing systemic racism and discrimination in all its forms and in all phases of the criminal justice system.
Today, on behalf of the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth accompanied by Gary Anandasangaree, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice Attorney General of Canada and Sebastian Commock, Manager of Legal Initiatives from The 519, announced that the Government of Canada is providing financial support for a project from The 519 that will support underserved members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities to reduce barriers to accessing relevant legal services and educational resources.
Through its Increasing Access to Justice & Legal Services for Racialized 2SLGBTQI+ Communities project, The 519 will:
- increase the legal services available to, and access to justice for, racialized members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, by expanding dedicated services focused specifically on the needs and experiences of racialized clients
- increase access to legal information, advice, and support to enable racialized 2SLGBTQI+ community members to engage more meaningfully with and participate in the justice system
- improve the capacity of legal professionals and institutions to protect the rights of racialized 2SLGBTQI+ community members.
Justice Canada is providing $992,500 over four years through the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program.
