Frequently Asked Questions
Gladue Program:
WHO CAN USE GLADUE?
All Inuit in the Ottawa Urban community.
WHAT is Gladue?
Gladue is a report for the court. It is compiled of several interviews that Gladue writers have had with you discussing everything from childhood, education, and substance abuse. This information is compiled into a report for the court’s consideration when it comes to sentencing in hopes of settling on alternatives to incarceration.
WHY USE GLADUE, WHAT IS THE GOAL?
Gladue helps you to break away from unhealthy life choices, it helps you stay out of jail.
Gladue helps address/brings to light the root cause of why an individual is in conflict with the law through intergenerational trauma.
The goal of Gladue is to acknowledge varying forms of trauma and educate the courts on how this is a factor in one’s life circumstances.
WHEN CAN I USE GLADUE?
You can use Gladue when a judge has found you guilty of a crime, or when you plead guilty to a crime.
WHERE DOES GLADUE TAKE PLACE?
The actual Gladue interviews are over the phone, and allow you to complete the interviews from the comfort of your own home or wherever you feel is best. We only ask that it is quiet and free of distractions so you can speak freely.
Once the report is completed, sentencing takes place at Indigenous Peoples Court (IPC) or Gladue Court happens at the 161 Elgin Street Courthouse.
WILL THIS COST MONEY?
NO! TI does not charge any fees. It is absolutely free for you.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO LIVE IN OTTAWA TO USE GLADUE?
It does not matter how long you have lived or stayed in Ottawa. All Inuit can use Gladue anytime, it is your right.
WHO CONTACTS ME FOR GLADUE?
TI’s Gladue Writers will contact you to set up interviews.
WHAT IS REQUIRED OF ME?
You do not need to bring anything to your interviews with the Gladue Team.
That you come to your interviews on time.
We only ask you to be open, honest, and trust the process.
HOW LONG DOES THIS PROCESS TAKE?
It can take a few weeks to a few months.
Restorative Justice Program:
WHO CAN USE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE?
All Inuit in the Ottawa Urban community.
WHY USE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE, WHAT IS THE GOAL?
Restorative Justice helps you take responsibility, begin to heal, work on yourself and it helps you stay out of jail.
WHEN CAN I USE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE?
You can use Restorative Justice if you want to take responsibility for something you have done that hurt someone else or the community.
WHERE DOES RESTORATIVE JUSTICE TAKE PLACE?
At Tungasuvvingat Inuit’s 10th Floor, 150 Elgin Street location and at the Indigenous Peoples Court (IPC) at the 161 Elgin Street Courthouse.
WILL THIS COST MONEY?
NO! TI does not charge any fees. It is absolutely free for you.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO LIVE IN OTTAWA TO USE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE?
It does not matter how long you have lived or stayed in Ottawa. All Inuit can use Restorative Justice.
WHO CONTACTS ME FOR RESTORATIVE JUSTICE?
TI’s Restorative Justice Liaison will contact you to set up your meetings.
WHAT IS REQUIRED OF ME?
That you are ready to take responsibility for your actions.
That you are on time for any meetings that are set up.
We only ask you to be open, honest, and trust the process.
HOW LONG DOES THIS PROCESS TAKE?
This is based on your individual case and needs and can be different for each person.
Other:
How do I obtain a lawyer?
Legal Aid: Provides legal services for financially-eligible, low-income Ontarians in the following areas: domestic violence, family law, immigration/refugee law and criminal law.
Contact Legal Aid immediately to find out if the offender qualifies for a free lawyer. If an offender does not qualify for a free lawyer, most courts in Ontario have duty counsel.
Legal Aid Ottawa:
73 Albert Street Ground Floor
Telephone: 613-238-7931 Extension:
Toll-free: 1-877-314-0933
Fax: 1-613-238-3410
TTY (Telephone device for the hearing impaired)
TTY local: 416-598-8867
TTY Toll-free: 1-866-641-8867
What if I don’t have a lawyer at the time I am to appear in court?
Duty Counsel: private bar or Legal Aid Ontario lawyers who can give immediate, legal assistance to low-income people who appear in court without a lawyer
The Duty Counsel at the Ottawa Courthouse on Elgin Street can answer questions and provide legal advice on, or before the day of court.
For more information, contact Duty Counsel at:
Ottawa
K2P 2K1
Telephone: 613-238-7931
Toll-free: 1-800-668-8258
Do I need to show proof of my Inuit Beneficiary Status?
Tungasuvvingat Inuit DOES NOT require you to show proof of Inuit beneficiary status under the four Inuit Land Claims Agreements.
How can I contact the Ottawa Crown’s office?
Ottawa Virtual Crown
VirtualCrownOttawa@ontario.ca
(613) 239-1200
https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/covid-19-old/crown-attorney-offices-contact-info/