Call to Action # 38

We call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to commit to eliminating the overrepresentation of Aboriginal youth in custody over the next decade.

Why “In Progress?”

April 20, 2022: The annual average daily count of youth in custody decreased by 27% in 2020/2021. Indigenous youth accounted for 50% of youth admissions to custody in 2020/2021, while representing 8% of the population. Male Indigenous youth represented 485 of youth male admissions to custody while female Indigenous youth represented 62% of youth female admissions to custody

“Bill C-75 “An Act to Amend the Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act and other Acts and to make consequential amendments to other Acts” received Royal assent on June 21, 2019. Bill C-75 includes amendments “that seek alternatives for administration of justice offences, revisions to conditions imposed at bail or sentencing stage and limit the use of custodial sentences”.

Justice Canada continues to invest in key flagship programs which support a reduction of Indigenous youth in the criminal justice system, including the:

The provinces and territories are initiating their own reforms as well.

Indigenous Youth represent approximately 8% of the population but 50% of youth in custody.

Current Status

In Progress

Call to Action
last updated

May 16, 2024


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Actions and Commitments


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Actions to Reduce Overrepresentation

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Youth Incarceration Rates: 2011 – 2018

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CSC Investigator Report 2017-18

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Youth Justice Fund

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Govt. Acts to Reduce Overrepresentation

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Background Content


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CBA Response

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Timelines for Bill C-75

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Youth in Custody by Province

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Justice Canada National Roundtable

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