Ottawa – Access to justice is a fundamental Canadian value and an integral part of a fair and just society based on the rule of law. The Government of Canada is committed to providing fair and equal access to justice and legal services for vulnerable and traditionally marginalized groups, including racialized communities across the country, and addressing systemic racism and discrimination in all its forms and in all phases of the justice system.
Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, accompanied by Sameer Zuberi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, Iqra Khalid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue, Iman Mohamed, Executive Director of the Muslim Legal Support Centre, and Humaira Jaleel, Executive Director of Healthy Muslim Families, announced funding for two projects supporting Muslim communities in Ontario and Manitoba. These projects provide culturally responsive legal education and services so that Muslim communities can effectively access the justice system.
The Muslim Legal Support Centre aims to counteract Islamophobia and ensure Muslims in Ontario have equitable access to legal services and fair treatment within the legal system. Their Legal Education and Supports for Racialized Communities in Ontario project provides legal education, advice and support services to Muslim community members based on their legal needs and cultural identity. The project delivers public legal education and information workshops, legal clinics and virtual legal advice for Muslim community members across Ontario.
Healthy Muslim Families’ mission is to strengthen and empower families through education, programs, services and supports, in line with Islamic values, such as social responsibility. Their Building Access to Justice for Racialized Communities project provides public legal education and information and legal advice to low-income and immigrant Muslim community members. By recruiting and training volunteer mentors and legal professionals to deliver culturally relevant and accessible legal information, Healthy Muslim Families can better serve Muslims in Manitoba.
Justice Canada is providing the Muslim Legal Support Centre with $724,025 over three fiscal years (2022 – 2025) and Healthy Muslim Families with $788,237 over five fiscal years (2022 – 2027) for their projects through the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program.
“The Muslim Legal Support Centre extends its deep appreciation to Justice Canada for their invaluable support, which has been instrumental in enabling our project to provide essential assistance to the community, particularly those in dire need. This funding signifies more than mere financial aid; it is a resounding endorsement of our shared commitment to address pressing legal needs through a linguistic and cultural lens, ensuring that the assistance provided contributes to the creation of a more inclusive and equitable society.” – Iman Mohamed, Executive Director, the Muslim Legal Support Centre
“Healthy Muslim Families in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is pleased to acknowledge the generous funding received from Justice Canada to support our ground breaking project, “Building Access to Justice for Racialized Communities.” This funding not only empowers us to expand our programs and services but also reaffirms our shared commitment to building a fair and just society for all by dismantling barriers, eliminating disparities, and creating a more inclusive justice system that reflects the values of diversity and fairness.” – Humaira Jaleel, Executive Director, Healthy Muslim Families