Access to justice is a fundamental Canadian value and an integral part of a fair and just society based on the rule of law.

"We are grateful for this funding as it will allow us to support the urban Indigenous population with professional, culturally appropriate legal services pertaining to families. The reality is that our children have been apprehended by social services for generations. We can now offer the families a professional service to begin the reunification process for generations to come." 

Na'kuset
Executive Director, Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal

“We are committed to fighting systemic racism and discrimination, which are painful realities for Indigenous peoples across the country. Central to this is ensuring that Indigenous peoples have access to the services they need, where they need them, and when they need them. By supporting the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, we are helping bring systemic change and improving access to justice and fairness in our justice system.”

The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., K.C., M.P.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

“Collaboration and partnership with Indigenous organizations is critical to advancing reconciliation and transforming the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the justice system. The Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, with their Family Care Legal Clinic, is a vital partner in these efforts and in empowering Indigenous women and children.”

The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

• The NWSM offers frontline services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis women and children to promote their empowerment and independence. The NWSM is the only women’s shelter in Montréal that provides services exclusively to Indigenous women and children. Their in-house programs, combined with their outreach services, help in the healing progress of women, while assisting them in re-establishing a balanced lifestyle.

• Budget 2021 announced $21.5 million over five years to support the provision of culturally appropriate legal information and resources and to pilot legal advice services for racialized communities across Canada. This funding supports organizations that provide free public legal education and information as well as organizations that provide legal services and advice to racialized communities. Funding provided to the NWSM is part of this investment.

• In consultation and cooperation with Indigenous, provincial, and territorial partners, Justice Canada is developing an Indigenous Justice Strategy (IJS) to address systemic discrimination and the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system. The IJS will identify needed legislative, program, and policy initiatives, informed by the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Associated links

• Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal
• Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal’s Family Care Program (Family Care Legal Clinic)
• Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience
• Justice Partnership and Innovation Program
• Indigenous Justice Strategy

For more information, media may contact:

Diana Ebadi
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
343-574-3446
Diana.Ebadi@justice.gc.ca

Media Relations
Department of Justice Canada
613-957-4207
media@justice.gc.ca

Na’kuset
Executive Director
Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal
nakuset@gmail.com

Stay connected

• Follow the Department of Justice Canada on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
• Follow Minister Lametti on Twitter: @MinJusticeEn
• Subscribe to receive our news releases and more via RSS feeds. For more information or to subscribe, visit https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/news-nouv/rss.html.