The Department of Justice Canada is the federal institution responsible for overseeing the legal framework and ensuring that the justice system in Canada is fair, accessible, and aligned with Canadian values. Its mission is to support the Minister of Justice in maintaining a just and law-abiding society, provide high-quality legal services to the government, and promote respect for rights, freedoms, and the Constitution.
The Minister of Justice also holds the role of Attorney General of Canada, a dual responsibility established since Confederation. As Minister, the focus is on overseeing the administration of justice, including areas like criminal law, family law, human rights, and Indigenous justice. As Attorney General, the minister acts as the chief law officer, responsible for conducting litigation on behalf of the federal government.
The Department employs around 5,000 people, roughly half of whom are lawyers. The rest include paralegals, social scientists, program managers, communications experts, administrative personnel, IT professionals, and financial officers. The Department operates from its headquarters in Ottawa, with a network of regional offices across the country.
Its key functions cover providing legal advice and representation to federal departments, managing litigation on issues such as taxation and immigration, drafting and reviewing legislation to ensure compliance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and developing policies related to public safety, including counter-terrorism and organized crime. The Department also supports family law matters and addresses legal issues unique to Indigenous communities, while ensuring services are available in both official languages and promoting access to justice for all Canadians.
Currently, the Department is led by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Sean Fraser, with Shalene Curtis-Micallef serving as the Deputy Minister, the senior public servant managing the department’s operations.
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