Federal Government Invests $8.6 Million to Support Black Communities Through Justice Programs

Black Communities to Receive Expanded Youth, Victim, and Legal Supports

MONTREAL, QC — The Government of Canada has announced more than $8.6 million in funding over two years to support Black communities through culturally responsive and community-led justice initiatives across the country.

The funding, announced by Marjorie Michel on behalf of Sean Fraser, will support 24 projects aimed at assisting:

• Black youth
• Victims and survivors of crime
• Individuals navigating the criminal justice system

The investments form part of Canada’s Black Justice Strategy, a national initiative designed to address anti-Black racism and systemic barriers contributing to the overrepresentation of Black Canadians in the justice system.

Funding Focused on Community-Led Support

According to the Department of Justice Canada, the funding will help organizations provide:

• Trauma-informed support services
• Culturally grounded legal navigation
• Youth reintegration programs
• Restorative justice initiatives
• Mental health and counselling support

Projects are being funded through three federal programs:

• The Youth Justice Fund
• The Victims Fund
• The Justice Partnership and Innovation Program

The government says the goal is to ensure services are accessible and reflective of the lived realities of Black communities across Canada.

Ontario Organizations Among Key Recipients

Several Ontario-based organizations are receiving support under the initiative, including:

• Black Legal Action Centre for The Black Circle of Care project supporting Black victims and survivors of hate crime and gun violence
• Black Mental Health Canada for a 24/7 trauma-informed counselling initiative
• Tropicana Community Services for legal navigation and court preparation supports
• For Youth Initiative for youth reintegration services

Programs will also support employment access, mental health services, restorative justice programming, and educational opportunities for Black youth involved in the justice system.

Addressing Systemic Barriers

In a statement accompanying the announcement, Minister Michel said the projects are intended to help create a justice system that is “more equitable, responsive, and accessible for Black communities.”

The federal government noted that anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination continue to impact Black Canadians disproportionately, both as individuals navigating the justice system and as victims of crime.

The investments are part of a broader $87.4 million federal commitment announced in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement to establish and implement Canada’s Black Justice Strategy over the coming years.

Building Long-Term Change

The Black Justice Strategy was officially launched in February 2025 under a 10-year framework titled Toward Transformative Change.

Federal officials say the initiative is aligned with the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034) and reflects ongoing efforts to create measurable reforms within Canada’s justice institutions.

Community organizations receiving funding say the support will help strengthen culturally informed programming while improving trust and access within Black communities.

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