Viola Desmond Justice Institute

Background of the organization

The Viola Desmond Justice Institute (VDJI) is a recently incorporated bilingual nonprofit organization based in Montréal dedicated to fostering an equitable criminal justice system in Canada through addressing institutional anti-Black racism and promoting an understanding of the impact of race and culture. They wish to honor Viola Desmond’s legacy and the values she stood for: a social and legal landscape free from racial discrimination and systemic barriers.

Project description

Funding will support VDJI’s advocacy to improve access to Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCA), including work toward federal Criminal Code amendments, engagement with Legal Aid bodies and provincial justice officials, and efforts to standardize IRCA rates across Canada. It will also support VDJI’s Pay Equity Program.