Lever of Change

Justice

Advancing justice: Human rights, poverty, racism, and Canada’s criminal justice system explains how systemic racism is embedded in the systems that are in place to support and protect vulnerable families and communities. Individuals and families living on low incomes are disproportionately under the microscope and it has been widely reported that Indigenous and Black people experience over-surveillance by law enforcement.

The Let's Talk Poverty podcast explores creating equal access to justice for Indigenous people, how Indigenous Law brings healing, and the need for systemic change in the legal system. Check out Episode 12: Systemic Change – Indigenous People and the Legal System.

The Justice Sector Constellation was a working group which provided recommendations on ways that justice-serving agencies, governments and law enforcement could improve access to the legal system for low-income Calgarians. Although the group disbanded in 2022, Enough for All maintains an archive of their research and resources.

The Poverty and the Law: Expanding Perspectives module and it accompanying Instructor’s Resource, is a free, interactive learning module that educates participants about the realities of living with poverty in Canada. Participants will learn about the context, causes and impacts of poverty, and expand previously held perspectives about poverty as it relates to the legal system. The module is being used by educational institutions in courses and by professional organizations to facilitate continuing education and professional development. A Certificate of Completion is available to participants who complete the module.

Each lever of change links to one or more of the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Justice links to #27, #28, #30, #31, #33, #34, #38, and #55.