The Department of Justice Canada is the federal institution responsible for upholding the rule of law and ensuring the proper administration of justice across the country. Established in 1868, just one year after Confederation, it merges the roles of Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, embodying both political leadership and legal oversight. The Department drafts legislation, advises the federal government, represents the Crown in court, and ensures public policies conform to Canadian law. It is active in key areas such as criminal law, family law, human rights, Indigenous justice, and youth justice. As a funding agency, the Department administers a wide range of financial support programs aimed at promoting equitable access to justice. These programs support community-based initiatives, victim services, alternative dispute resolution, and projects adapted to the country’s linguistic and cultural diversity. They particularly target vulnerable populations, youth, families in conflict, Indigenous communities, and individuals marginalized or underserved by the justice system. Through these financial tools, the Department of Justice plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive, accessible, and rights-respecting justice system. View Department of Justice Canada (JUS)'s website for more information.
[NEW] HELLODARWIN GRANTS GUIDE 2026-2027
A practical guide to Canadian grants, key programs and funding strategies to help businesses plan stronger projects and applications.
Free, you'll receive the guide by email
Tell us about your business and project so we can help you assess which Department of Justice Canada (JUS) programs may fit and what to do next.
Share your project context to clarify program fit, required documents, and practical application steps.
The Department of Justice Canada is a federal government department responsible for upholding the rule of law and overseeing the administration of justice across the country. Established in 1868, it works to ensure that Canada’s justice system is fair, accessible, and efficient, while providing legal advice to the government and representing the state in legal matters. The department also manages funding programs to support community justice initiatives, help victims of crime, assist vulnerable groups, and improve access to justice throughout Canada.
In 1868, a year after Confederation, the Department of Justice Canada was formally established by an Act of Parliament. Its creation recognized the dual role of Canada’s Minister of Justice, who by law also serves as Attorney General – combining political leadership on justice policy with the Crown’s chief legal advisory and prosecutorial authority. The department’s overarching mission is to foster a just, law-abiding society with a fair, effective, and accessible justice system for all Canadians. To this end, Justice Canada drafts and reforms legislation, provides legal counsel to the federal government, and ensures that government actions comply with the law. It also represents the federal government in court and works with other departments to develop policies in areas such as criminal law, family law, human rights, and Indigenous justice.
A key aspect of the department’s role is its function as a funding agency for justice initiatives. Justice Canada administers numerous grant and contribution programs that provide financial support to provincial and territorial governments as well as community organizations working in justice-related fields. These programs align with the department’s mandate to make the justice system more equitable and accessible, and they target a broad range of issues and beneficiaries.
For example, the department supports Indigenous-led community justice projects aimed at reducing rates of crime, victimization, and incarceration among Indigenous peoples. It funds initiatives that give victims of crime a stronger voice in the justice system and enhance services for victims across the country. The department also contributes to family justice programs – for instance, by supporting family mediation services and parenting education – to help families resolve disputes outside of court. Youth justice initiatives are another priority, focusing on rehabilitating young offenders and preventing youth crime. Finally, Justice Canada invests in public legal education and ensures access to justice in both of Canada’s official languages, reflecting its commitment to bilingual service equality. Through these funding programs, the department addresses the needs of vulnerable groups and helps build a fairer, more inclusive, and effective justice system in Canada.
