QUESTION PERIOD — Justice
Indigenous Justice Strategy
March 26, 2026
Senator Moreau, in November 1996, the Auditor General of Canada released a report on the reintegration of offenders. The report notes that:
Correctional Service Canada has two main responsibilities — the incarceration of offenders and their safe reintegration into the community.
The Indigenous Justice Strategy was unveiled on March 10, 2025, and it clearly outlines the need for stable, long-term investments for Section 81 healing lodges to safely reintegrate First Nations people into their communities.
Senator, when will your government announce the stable, long-term investments they reference throughout the justice strategy?
Thank you, Senator Prosper, for the question.
The government is aware that Indigenous people in Canada face unfair treatment and are overrepresented in the justice system. This must change. That is why, after collaboration and engagement with Indigenous partners, rights-holders and community leaders, the government released the Indigenous Justice Strategy, which lays the foundation for meaningful, long-term reform.
To answer your question directly, I do not have a specific date, but there is a general commitment on the part of the government to back that strategy and to ensure that we are addressing this issue meaningfully.
Am I correct in thinking that it’s still being worked on and we’re awaiting further announcements on funding and progress?
Yes, the implementation is under way. Government departments are working directly with Indigenous communities to set priorities and design the Indigenous-led approach outlined in the strategy.
Last week, the government announced $4.7 million for the Thunder Women Healing Lodge Society to support Indigenous women reintegrating from federal and provincial correctional systems.
