Thursday 27 June 2024
Release of the external Steering Group Report: an important milestone in the development of Canada’s Black Justice Strategy
On June 27th, the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, welcomed the publication of the external Steering Group’s Report: A Roadmap for Transformative Change: Canada’s Black Justice Strategy. This Report is an important milestone in the development of Canada’s Black Justice Strategy. The work of the external Steering Group is based on an intersectional, anti-Black racism, and anti-oppression lens that responds to and reflects the diverse histories, backgrounds, experiences and regional realities of Black communities in Canada.
Their Report sets out 114 recommendations to address anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination in the criminal justice and other related systems that has led to the overrepresentation of Black people in Canada’s criminal justice system, including as victims of crime.
In response to the Steering Group’s Report, Justice Canada will develop and release a government response. This plan will outline the actions that the Government of Canada will undertake to address anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination and the overrepresentation of Black people in the criminal justice system, including as victims of crime.
“I welcome the Report and am pleased to share it publicly, given its importance in guiding the work ahead, with our partners. I want to reiterate my appreciation of the external Steering Group, in particular to the authors of this substantial report. They have given us a history-making report that lays the groundwork for policies, programs and legislation that will help build a fairer, more effective justice system, confront systemic anti-Black racism and address the disparities that limit opportunities and increase marginalization and overrepresentation for Black people in our justice system.” – The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
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“Justice is not a destination but a journey we must all embark upon together. By recognizing and addressing the systemic inequities faced by Black communities, we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable Canada. Canada’s Black Justice Strategy serves as a beacon of hope, guiding us toward a future where every individual is afforded the dignity, respect, and fairness they deserve.”
Dr Akwasi Owusu-Bempah
Steering Group member and co-author of A Roadmap for Transformative Change: Canada’s Black Justice Strategy
For more information, please see news release.