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Episode 73: The TAP Project: Building Legal and Judicial Capacities in Developing Countries

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Episode 73: The TAP Project: Building Legal and Judicial Capacities in Developing Countries
Broadcast Date: February 8, 2024

Summary

How can we contribute to strengthening judicial systems in developing countries? In this episode, CIAJ is welcoming FJA’s Deputy Commissioner Errolyn Humphreys to learn more on the Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) Project, a five-year initiative that leverages Canadian judicial expertise to provide targeted support in areas critical for upholding the rule of law and ensuring transparent, accountable governance.

Guest

Host

About the TAP Project:

The Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) Project, a five-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and spearheaded by Federal Judicial Affairs Canada (FJA), is dedicated to strengthening judicial systems in developing countries eligible for official development aid. Each year, TAP-FJA undertakes up to three country initiatives, with each lasting 12 months, aimed at building capacity, enhancing judicial integrity, and promoting efficient justice delivery systems. This project leverages Canadian judicial expertise to provide targeted support in areas critical for upholding the rule of law and ensuring transparent, accountable governance.

TAP-FJA’s approach is highly collaborative, working closely with Canadian diplomatic missions abroad to engage national governments and judicial organizations. This partnership enables the identification of specific areas where Canadian expertise can significantly contribute to judicial reforms. By focusing on practical assistance tailored to the unique needs of each partner country, TAP-FJA ensures that initiatives are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with the principles of equality, empowerment, and inclusive governance. The project’s activities include judicial exchange visits, technical assistance, and sharing of best practices, all designed to foster public trust and confidence in judicial institutions.

Reflecting the principles of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), TAP-FJA addresses key areas such as Inclusive Governance, Peace and Security, and Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls. Through its multifaceted approach, the project not only contributes to the global promotion of the rule of law and democracy but also actively involves Canadian citizens in supporting international assistance efforts. TAP-FJA’s commitment to incorporating gender equality and empowering judicial systems worldwide showcases Canada’s dedication to fostering a just, equitable global community

Biographies

Errolyn Humphreys, Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs (FJI) Canada

Errolyn Humphreys started her public service career in December 1998. She joined the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs (FJA) in January 2015 and served as the Executive Director of Finance and Administration prior to her appointment to the role of Deputy Commissioner on August 31, 2020.

As Deputy Commissioner, in addition to supporting the Commissioner, Ms. Humphreys provides oversight on the Corporate functions of the office as encompassed within the Divisions of Finance; Compensation, Benefits and Human Resources; and Information Systems and Services. She is also the designated Chief Financial Officer and Departmental Security Officer. Receiving her designation in 2005, Ms. Humphreys is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. She has extensive public service and policy making experience.

As Deputy Commissioner, Ms. Humphreys is involved in several of FJA’s committees that assist the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs in his mandate and work towards the betterment of public service and the judiciary, notably the Judicom Advisory Board whose membership provides guidance and feedback in respect of the secure and restricted communication system and intranet platform created by judges for judges; and the Judicial Advisory Committee on International Engagement established as a formal mechanism in response to requests from members of the judiciary in respect of their international undertakings.

Christine O’Doherty, Lawyer & Executive Director, Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice

Christine O’Doherty has been CIAJ’s Executive Director since 2017. A bilingual lawyer experienced in professional, labour and commercial law, she has contributed to developing and implementing effective government relations and public affairs strategies for a number of major organizations. Ms. O’Doherty has taught at the Faculté de pharmacie de l’Université de Montréal for 14 years, where she was responsible for the implementation of the soft skills curriculum for graduate and undergraduate students. In her spare time she writes fiction.

Related Documentation

In All Fairness is a Canadian Institute for the Administration of Justice podcast channel welcoming representatives from the legal community and exploring how we can all contribute to improving the administration of justice in Canada. Legal professionals will benefit from informed discussions on key issues, essential knowledge and insights to strengthen their practice.

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