National Action Plan on Open Government Commitment
C04.4.3 - Designing inclusive government programs and services
- Commitment:
- Designing inclusive government programs and services
- Milestone:
- Update Justice Canada's State of the Criminal Justice System Dashboard and pursue the automation of updates to support easier dissemination of data to the public. Explore, in collaboration with key partners, the possibility of expanding the indicators in the Department of Justice Canada's State of the Criminal Justice System dashboard to include available disaggregated data related to court delays and other key justice system issues.
- Indicator:
- C04.4.3 - Provide examples of data being used to inform decision-making.
- Lead Organization:
- Department of Justice Canada
- Deadline:
- Examples will be compiled in March 2027 and at the end of the commitment and shared via public report.
Updates
2025-12
o Key criminal justice indicators presented in the State of the Criminal Justice System Initiative (SOCJS)—whether it be to the dashboard, report, data sources and related resources—are used regularly among departmental employees to inform policy-related discussion, advice and materials for decision-making. The Q1 period showed concrete examples of that such as the preparation of the tabling of Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, and Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act.
o Due to data gaps identified through the SOCJS, Justice Canada undertook an analysis of criminal court case time indicators related to the Jordan limits. A Research in Brief and accompanying infographic was developed. Publication is set for 06/2026.
o In response to evolving reporting needs on the performance of the CJS, over the Q1 period, an examination of the SOCJS Framework was conducted to select a shortlist of key indicators that could quickly and clearly provide high-level trends of the system’s performance. While the SOCJS Framework is more nuanced and comprehensive, the shortlist provides a short snapshot of a few key indicators. Engagement with key FPT partners and stakeholders is in progress.
o Due to demand from Canada’s Black Justice Strategy and other clients and partners, Justice Canada is developing a fourth population-based theme on the experiences of Black people in the criminal justice system, alongside existing themes on Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth.
o SOCJS data also support interdepartmental reporting, including updates on implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, particularly Calls to Action 30 and 38 on eliminating the overrepresentation of Indigenous adults and youth in custody and monitoring progress over time.
o The SOCJS Dashboard has also been identified within Justice Canada as a strong example of applying a Gender Based Analysis Plus lens in departmental work, as it uses disaggregated and population-based data to better understand how different groups experience the criminal justice system.