Discussion with victims of crime on the newly introduced Canadian Victims Bill of Rights
April 11, 2014 Quebec City, Quebec Public Safety Canada
Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, met with stakeholders to discuss new legislation that was announced on April 3, 2014, to create a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights that will transform the criminal justice system by creating, at the federal level, clear rights for victims of crime.
Quick Facts
- The Victims Bill of Rights Act would create the following statutory rights for victims of crime:
- Right to information: Victims would have the right to general information about the criminal justice system and available victim services and programs, and specific information about the progress of the case, including information relating to the investigation, prosecution, sentencing and conditional release of the person who harmed them.
- Right to protection: Victims would have the right to have their security and privacy considered at all stages of the criminal justice process, to have reasonable and necessary measures to protect them from intimidation and retaliation, and to request their identity be protected from public disclosure.
- Right to participation: Victims would have a right to convey their views about decisions to be made by criminal justice professionals and have them considered at various stages of the criminal justice process, and to present a victim impact statement.
- Right to restitution: Victims would have the right to have the court consider making a restitution order for all offences for which there are easy-to-calculate financial losses.
- By introducing legislation to create a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, the Federal Government is delivering on a commitment from the 2013 Speech from the Throne that was reinforced in Budget 2014. The legislation is also in line with the Government’s Plan for Safe Streets and Communities, which focuses on holding violent offenders accountable, enhancing the rights of victims, and increasing the efficiency of our criminal justice system.
- The National Office for Victims (NOV) at Public Safety Canada is a central resource that offers information and referrals to victims of crime. NOV also provides input into federal policy and legislative initiatives, develops and distributes information products for victims and members of the criminal justice system, and supports the Correctional Service of Canada and the Parole Board of Canada in delivering services to victims of crime.
Quotes
“The Victims Bill of Rights Act, introduced by our Government last week, will provide victims with legislated rights at the federal level – rights to information, protection, participation, and restitution. Under Prime Minister Harper’s leadership, we have worked hard to introduce reforms that give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system, and we will continue working to ensure victims receive the courtesy, compassion and respect they deserve.”
Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
“The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights will give more rights to victims, meaning that they will now be actors, not just spectators, in our justice system.”
Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu
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Jean-Christophe de Le Rue
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-991-2924
Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca
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