Grant and FundingOpen
Access to Justice in Both Official Languages Support Fund
Supports access to justice in both official languages
Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Department of Justice Canada (JUS)
Overview of Available Grants and Funding
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.
Content last updated: March 6, 2026
List of grants and funding offered by Department of Justice Canada (JUS)
9 programs available- Grant and FundingClosed
Justice Partnership and Innovation Program
Supports innovative projects for an accessible, fair Canadian justice system - Other SupportOpen
Special Advocates Program
Supports independent legal counsel in confidential immigration proceedings - Grant and FundingClosed
Indigenous Justice Program - The Capacity-Building Fund
Supports Indigenous communities in developing justice program capacities - Grant and FundingClosed
Indigenous Justice Program - Indigenous Engagement Fund
Supports Indigenous participation in justice system engagement activities - Grant and FundingOpen
Indigenous Justice Program - The Community-Based Justice Fund
Supports Indigenous communities in developing and delivering justice initiatives - Grant and FundingClosed
Access to Justice Services Agreements
Federal funding for legal aid and justice services in territories - Grant and FundingOpen
Alberta Restorative Justice Grant
Alberta Justice and Solicitor General, Government of Alberta, Alberta Municipal Affairs, Alberta Ministry of Justice, Department of Justice Canada (JUS)Funding for direct restorative justice services
About Department of Justice Canada (JUS)
What is the mission of Department of Justice Canada (JUS)?
The Department of Justice Canada’s mission is to support a fair, accessible and efficient justice system by providing legal services to the federal government, developing justice policy and legislation, and funding initiatives that improve access to justice and uphold rights, including access in both official languages.
What type of organization is Department of Justice Canada (JUS)?
Department of Justice Canada (JUS) is a Federal government.
What is Department of Justice Canada (JUS)'s official website?
Department of Justice Canada (JUS)'s official website is https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/index.html.
What else should I know about Department of Justice Canada (JUS)?
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.