QUESTION PERIOD — Justice
Canada's Black Justice Strategy
June 11, 2025
Senator Gold, from the report entitled A Roadmap for Transformative Change: Canada’s Black Justice Strategy, I quote the following:
. . . the criminal justice system will transform from one that punishes the poorest and most marginalized members of our society, and that carries a history of racism and oppression, to one that is fair and equitable and free from discrimination; in other words, a justice system that is truly just.
Senator Gold, I dare say that many of us in the Black and Indigenous communities have been waiting for much too long for this transformation. When will the funding for Canada’s Black Justice Strategy be deployed to realize this transformation?
Thank you for your question.
The government is very aware that this country continues to be challenged by anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination against Black people in Canada throughout many of our institutions, and the government is committed to building a justice system for all through Canada’s Black Justice Strategy, to which you paid reference.
Senator, I cannot speculate on future funding, but I do want to assure you and this chamber that the government is committed to continuing its work to implement Canada’s Black Justice Strategy.
Strategy and funding alone will not effect a transformation, but it will be a necessary step in that important direction.
Senator Gold, has the Minister of Justice been apprised of the existence of this road map and the urgency to begin the implementation? If not, will that be done soon?
Thank you for your question. The government is very much aware of this matter and committed to implementing Canada’s Black Justice Strategy.
Having said that, I shall raise your concerns and bring it to the minister’s attention at the earliest opportunity.
