Justice committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am delighted to be appearing before the committee today to discuss supplementary estimates (C). I'm Bill Pentney, deputy minister of justice and deputy attorney general of Canada. I'm here with Don Piragoff, the senior assistant deputy minister responsib

Justice committee  That is true. Several years ago, the Department of Justice created a centre of expertise in mediation and complaints. We have provided a lot of training, and we are trying to establish mechanisms for resolving most complaints, especially in the area of employment within the fede

Justice committee  We are currently involved in about 50,000 prosecutions or trials. Most proceedings are brought by Canadians against the government. We have to defend the government. We worked closely with the Canada Revenue Agency to establish a complaint management system. I can establish conn

Justice committee  I will answer your question, and then Ms. Merriam can correct me or add something. First, it should be pointed out that the government has spent a lot of money on legal aid. Part of that permanent funding is transferred to provinces and territories. We are talking about $112,000

Justice committee  Yes, it's ongoing. Second, this process seeks to set aside about $14 million for immigration refugees and other types of refugees. Third, the Canada Social Transfer is partially transferred to the provinces. Provinces can use it for legal aid or other social needs, which have b

Justice committee  Okay. There are ongoing discussions between the federal government and provincial governments.

Justice committee  Welcome to budget mysteries. That has to do with both departments' budgets. We are responsible for defending the government—either regarding laws or any actions taken by the Government of Canada. A portion of our budget is part of our ongoing A base, and another portion is made u

Justice committee  Studies and discussions are ongoing with the provinces regarding legal aid and access to justice. Ms. Merriam could perhaps add something to this discussion?

Justice committee  In terms of the budget process—and I know there's another committee of the House that has examined the operation of the budget process—the main estimates are voted on, and historically over time the main estimates have generally not reflected items that are reflected in that year

Justice committee  That question I'm going to have to take under advisement, just to make sure I give you entirely the right answer. This would represent the bulk of the funding, but it's possible that part of the ongoing departmental resources, what we would call the A base, is being allocated tow

Justice committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. I thank the member for his questions. The Department of Justice provides legal services to almost all federal departments and agencies. The Department of Justice's funds are used to support departments in their proceedings. So we anticipate needs related t

Justice committee  Frankly, I don't think we have anything to add.

Justice committee  Mr. Chair, as the committee member mentioned, that has to do with the budget of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. I cannot talk about that office's budget or its administration. I'm sure he would be happy to attend if the committee were to invite him. He'll than

Justice committee  I'm sorry, but I cannot answer on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions. He has to answer for his administration. That's why the government decided to create an independent director of public prosecutions.

Justice committee  Yes.