Program directory · Public Prosecution Service of Canada
Federal Prosecutions
- Department
- Public Prosecution Service of Canada
- Program code
- BRD01 (ODPP)
- Core responsibility
- Prosecution Services
- In Departmental Plans
- 2018-19 – 2026-27 · New since an earlier plan
What it does
This program supports the protection of Canadian society against crime through the provision of legal advice to police and federal investigative agencies, and the prosecution of all cases under federal statutes under the jurisdiction of the Attorney General of Canada including all prosecutions in the three northern territories. In addition, this program also includes the recovery of outstanding federal fines and involves the promotion of federal-provincial-territorial as well as international cooperation on criminal justice issues of mutual concern.
Source: the department's Program Inventory, via GC InfoBase.
History and lineage
First appears in GC InfoBase's actual spending by program in 2018-19. The data does not record when a program was created; it may be older than its first appearance here, which is limited by the sources (program spending starts in 2010-11, Departmental Plans in 2018-19).
| Program | Relation | Years with data | Actual spending over those years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Prosecutions | This program | 2018-19 – 2028-29 | $1.2B |
No earlier or later program in the same department has a similar name.
Significant changes in scope and budget
Detected from the data: renames between plans, programs it appears to replace, merge with or split into (matched by name), year-over-year changes in spending of at least 25% and $5M, or in employees of at least 20% and 25 FTEs, linked budget measures, and results indicators added or dropped.
| Year | What changed | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | Employees (FTEs) 817, against 665 in 2018-19 (+23%). | FTEs (GC InfoBase) |
| 2019-20 | Renamed from “Drug, National Security and Northern Prosecutions Program” to “Federal Prosecutions”. | GC InfoBase program names by year |
Success criteria
The program's indicators from its department's Departmental Results Framework: the target set in each year's plan, and the result reported the following year. Source: GC InfoBase.
Historical: targets against results
Number and nature of judicial stays for abuse of process based on the conduct of a federal prosecutor.
Expected result: Through professionally conducted prosecution related work, the ODPP contributes to the administration of justice.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | ≤ 0 | 2019 | 0 | Met |
| 2019-20 | ≤ 0 | 2020 | 0 | Met |
| 2020-21 | ≤ 0 | 2021 | 0 | Met |
| 2021-22 | ≤ 0 | 2022 | 0 | Met |
| 2022-23 | ≤ 0 | 2023 | 0 | Met |
| 2023-24 | ≤ 0 | 2024 | 0 | Met |
| 2024-25 | ≤ 0 | 2025 | 0 | Met |
Number and nature of substantiated complaints made pursuant to the ODPP’s Complaints Policy.
Expected result: Through professionally conducted prosecution related work, the ODPP contributes to the administration of justice.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | ≤ 0 | 2019 | 0 | Met |
| 2019-20 | ≤ 0 | 2020 | 1 The PPSC takes complaints seriously and seeks to ensure that they are dealt with in a timely and clear manner, thereby helping to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice. The substantiated complaint was related to the timeliness of preparing a victim for a trial, and was addressed according to the PPSC’s Complaints Policy. | Not met |
| 2020-21 | ≤ 0 | 2021 | 1 The PPSC takes complaints seriously and seeks to ensure that they are dealt with in a timely and clear manner, thereby helping to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice. The substantiated complaint of misconduct was addressed according to the PPSC’s Complaints Policy . Of note, the Director of Public Prosecutions has also requested a complete review of the PPSC’s complaint po… | Not met |
| 2021-22 | ≤ 0 | 2022 | 0 | Met |
| 2022-23 | ≤ 0 | 2023 | 0 | Met |
| 2023-24 | ≤ 0 | 2024 | 1 The PPSC takes complaints seriously and seeks to ensure that they are dealt with in a timely and clear manner, thereby helping to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice. The substantiated complaint of misconduct was addressed according to the PPSC’s Public Feedback and Complaints Policy. | Not met |
| 2024-25 | ≤ 0 | 2025 | 0 | Met |
Number and nature of successful malicious prosecution lawsuits.
Expected result: Through professionally conducted prosecution related work, the ODPP contributes to the administration of justice.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | ≤ 0 | 2019 | 0 | Met |
| 2019-20 | ≤ 0 | 2020 | 0 | Met |
| 2020-21 | ≤ 0 | 2021 | 0 | Met |
| 2021-22 | ≤ 0 | 2022 | 0 | Met |
| 2022-23 | ≤ 0 | 2023 | 0 | Met |
| 2023-24 | ≤ 0 | 2024 | 0 | Met |
| 2024-25 | ≤ 0 | 2025 | 0 | Met |
Number and percentage of cases that went to trial and resulted in a judicial stay of proceedings due to Crown delay.
Expected result: Federal prosecutions are completed in a timely manner.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | ≤ 4% | 2019 | 0.1% | Met |
| 2019-20 | ≤ 4% | 2020 | 0% | Met |
| 2020-21 | ≤ 4% | 2021 | 0% | Met |
| 2021-22 | ≤ 4% | 2022 | 0% | Met |
| 2022-23 | ≤ 4% | 2023 | 0% | Met |
| 2023-24 | ≤ 4% | 2024 | 0.1% | Met |
| 2024-25 | ≤ 4% | 2025 | 0% Of the 44,441 cases closed in 2024–25, 7 resulted in a judicial stay of proceedings due to Crown delay. | Met |
Number and percentage of cases that went to trial and resulted in the Crown directing a stay of proceedings due to Crown delay.
Expected result: Federal prosecutions are completed in a timely manner.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | ≤ 4% | 2019 | 0.1% | Met |
| 2019-20 | ≤ 4% | 2020 | 0.1% | Met |
| 2020-21 | ≤ 4% | 2021 | 0% | Met |
| 2021-22 | ≤ 4% | 2022 | 0.1% | Met |
| 2022-23 | ≤ 4% | 2023 | 0.1% | Met |
| 2023-24 | ≤ 4% | 2024 | 0% | Met |
| 2024-25 | ≤ 4% | 2025 | 0% Of the 44,441 cases closed in 2024–25, 18 resulted in the Crown directing a stay of proceedings due to Crown delay. | Met |
Number and percentage of prosecutions that result in a determination on the merits of the evidence.
Expected result: Through professionally conducted prosecution related work, the ODPP contributes to the administration of justice.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | ≥ 96% | 2019 | 99.7% | Met |
| 2019-20 | ≥ 96% | 2020 | 99.8% | Met |
| 2020-21 | ≥ 96% | 2021 | 99.8% | Met |
| 2021-22 | ≥ 96% | 2022 | 99.7% | Met |
| 2022-23 | ≥ 96% | 2023 | 99.7% | Met |
| 2023-24 | ≥ 96% | 2024 | 99.6% | Met |
| 2024-25 | ≥ 96% | 2025 | 99.7% 15,879 of the 15,927 cases closed in 2024–25, resulted in a determination on the merits of the evidence. | Met |
Percentage of respondents satisfied with the comprehensiveness of legal advice.
Expected result: Timely and comprehensive legal advice is provided to investigative agencies.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | ≥ 65% | 2019 | 80% | Met |
| 2021-22 | ≥ 65% | 2022 | 85% | Met |
| 2022-23 | ≥ 65% | 2023 | — Level of satisfaction results are taken from the PPSC Survey of Investigative Agencies Report, which is conducted every three years. | No result reported |
| 2024-25 | ≥ 65% | 2025 | — Level of satisfaction results are taken from the PPSC Survey of Investigative Agencies Report, which is conducted every three years. The 2024–25 cycle has been deferred to allow for a comprehensive review of the survey’s scope and methodology. This review is intended to enhance alignment with the PPSC’s overreaching vision, mandate and core values. | No result reported |
Percentage of respondents satisfied with the timeliness of legal advice.
Expected result: Timely and comprehensive legal advice is provided to investigative agencies.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | ≥ 80% | 2019 | 72% Key findings: 72% of respondents were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the timeliness of the legal advice they received from the PPSC. The most commonly cited explanation for why respondents were unsatisfied with the timeliness of the legal advice they received was that the PPSC was slow to respond, unresponsive or it took multiple follow-ups to get a response. | Not met |
| 2021-22 | ≥ 80% | 2022 | 78% 78% of respondents were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the timeliness of the legal advice they received from the PPSC. Although this falls short of the 80% target, it is an increase from the last survey, where 72% of respondents were “satisfied” or “very satisfied”. The most commonly cited explanation for why respondents were unsatisfied with the timeliness of the legal advice they received… | Not met |
| 2022-23 | ≥ 80% | 2023 | — Level of satisfaction results are taken from the PPSC Survey of Investigative Agencies Report, which is conducted every three years. | No result reported |
| 2024-25 | ≥ 80% | 2025 | — Level of satisfaction results are taken from the PPSC Survey of Investigative Agencies Report, which is conducted every three years. The 2024–25 cycle has been deferred to allow for a comprehensive review of the survey’s scope and methodology. This review is intended to enhance alignment with the PPSC’s overreaching vision, mandate and core values. | No result reported |
Current: the 2026-27 plan's targets
Number and nature of judicial stays for abuse of process based on the conduct of a federal prosecutor.
Expected result: Through professionally conducted prosecution related work, the ODPP contributes to the administration of justice.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 0 – 0 | 2027 | — | Planned |
Number and nature of substantiated complaints made pursuant to the ODPP’s Complaints Policy.
Expected result: Through professionally conducted prosecution related work, the ODPP contributes to the administration of justice.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 0 – 0 | 2027 | — | Planned |
Number and nature of successful malicious prosecution lawsuits.
Expected result: Through professionally conducted prosecution related work, the ODPP contributes to the administration of justice.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 0 – 0 | 2027 | — | Planned |
Number and percentage of cases that went to trial and resulted in a judicial stay of proceedings due to Crown delay.
Expected result: Federal prosecutions are completed in a timely manner.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 0% – 4% | 2027 | — | Planned |
Number and percentage of cases that went to trial and resulted in the Crown directing a stay of proceedings due to Crown delay.
Expected result: Federal prosecutions are completed in a timely manner.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 0% – 4% | 2027 | — | Planned |
Number and percentage of prosecutions that result in a determination on the merits of the evidence.
Expected result: Through professionally conducted prosecution related work, the ODPP contributes to the administration of justice.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 96% – 100% | 2027 | — | Planned |
Percentage of respondents satisfied with the comprehensiveness of legal advice.
Expected result: Timely and comprehensive legal advice is provided to investigative agencies.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 65% – 100% | 2027 | — | Planned |
Percentage of respondents satisfied with the timeliness of legal advice.
Expected result: Timely and comprehensive legal advice is provided to investigative agencies.
Bars: result reported. Dashed line: target.
| Report year | Target | Due | Result | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-27 | 80% – 100% | 2027 | — | Planned |
Future goals: targets due after 2026-27
No targets with a later due date.
Spending and employees: planned against actual
Spending
Show the numbers
| Fiscal year | Planned | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | $141M | $144M |
| 2019-20 | $171M | $166M |
| 2020-21 | $177M | $160M |
| 2021-22 | $183M | $166M |
| 2022-23 | $183M | $170M |
| 2023-24 | $184M | $181M |
| 2024-25 | $179M | $214M |
| 2025-26 | $194M | — |
| 2026-27 | $198M | — |
| 2027-28 | $198M* | — |
| 2028-29 | $198M* | — |
Employees (FTEs)
Show the numbers
| Fiscal year | Planned | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 719 | 665 |
| 2019-20 | 858 | 817 |
| 2020-21 | 858 | 835 |
| 2021-22 | 890 | 877 |
| 2022-23 | 897 | 899 |
| 2023-24 | 928 | 920 |
| 2024-25 | 880 | 942 |
| 2025-26 | 905 | — |
| 2026-27 | 918 | — |
| 2027-28 | 918* | — |
| 2028-29 | 918* | — |
Planned spending, plan by plan
Each row is one year's Departmental Plan and its forecast for the next three fiscal years; read a column down to see how the forecast for one year changed. The last row is what was actually spent. Click an amount for its source. Biggest changes in federal spending plans
| Plan | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | 2025-26 | 2026-27 | 2027-28 | 2028-29 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 plan | $141,117,611 | $133,820,567 | $133,904,610 | ||||||||
| 2019-20 plan | $171,140,150 | $157,568,231 | $157,568,231 | ||||||||
| 2020-21 plan | $177,319,826 | $178,620,158 | $178,760,376 | ||||||||
| 2021-22 plan | $182,526,571 | $175,061,466 | $175,061,466 | ||||||||
| 2022-23 plan | $183,187,421 | $180,690,202 | $174,568,822 | ||||||||
| 2023-24 plan | $184,484,198 | $178,356,056 | $178,356,056 | ||||||||
| 2024-25 plan | $178,679,052 | $178,910,322 | $178,942,962 | ||||||||
| 2025-26 plan | $194,169,655 | $194,402,643 | $194,402,643 | ||||||||
| 2026-27 plan | $197,706,150 | $197,706,150 | $197,706,150 | ||||||||
| Actual | $144,306,581 | $166,397,708 | $160,356,626 | $166,144,007 | $169,983,645 | $181,214,586 | $213,502,409 |
Actual spending is from Departmental Results Reports and the Public Accounts, as published in GC InfoBase. FTEs are full-time equivalents.
