Students expect to receive an education in a safe and respectful institution where their voices can be heard. However, on school, college and university campuses, incidents involving sexual assault and the impact on survivors continue to be of serious concern and can be a barrier for students to succeed both academically and personally.
Canadians have the right to a safe workplace with fair and respectful treatment. In order to maintain and create workplaces where individuals feel safe and can perform their jobs effectively, the Government of Canada has made it a priority to address sexual harassment in the workplace.
In Canada, all individuals have the right to a safe workplace with fair treatment. Sexual harassment impacts the health and well-being of those involved, as well as their ability to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. Creating and maintaining safe workplaces where everyone – no matter their gender or gender identity – can be safe, respected and able to focus on their work and career is a priority for the Government of Canada.
In Budget 2018, the Government of Canada responded to public and stakeholder concerns relating to workplace sexual harassment by proposing to invest $50 million over five years through two Department of Justice Canada programs.
As we shape our communities, we all have a role to play in supporting Canadian youth to prevent and address their interactions with the law. Canada’s youth justice legislation, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, promotes the use of practices that go beyond the formal court system in dealing with young offenders, including preventative approaches.
Budget 2019 announced $10 million over five years to support renewed legal relationships with Indigenous peoples through the funding of Indigenous law initiatives across Canada.
The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of revitalizing Indigenous legal systems and the important role that Indigenous law institutes, in partnership with Indigenous communities, can play in the development, use and understanding of Indigenous laws.
Canadians expect to live in a society where the criminal justice system is fair and impartial, and supports the needs of victims. This is especially important when those victims or witnesses of abuse and violence are children and youth.
The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, will make a funding announcement regarding the Wahkohtowin Law and Governance Lodge at the University of Alberta, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 50.
To make a positive difference in the lives of urban Indigenous youth involved with the criminal justice system, intervention and rehabilitation programs need to be culturally relevant and appropriate.
