Bill C-77: Declaration of Victims’ Rights

Personnel

Question

Why is this government not adequately consulting with Canadians and delaying the implementation of Bill C-77?

  • National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces remains committed to strengthening victims’ rights within the military justice system.
  • That is why this government passed Bill C-77, in 2019, to provide clear statutory rights to victims of service offences.
  • National Defence is currently in the consultation phase required to implement this Bill.
  • This phase will inform the regulations surrounding the Bill including a Declaration of Victims’ rights.
  • To date, we have consulted internal and federal partners on necessary regulations, including the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces is also assessing advice from experts to consult victims through an online survey.
  • We will continue to ensure that the regulatory framework is appropriate and effective.

Quick facts

  • The Declaration of Victims’ Rights features three main components:
    • giving victims of service offences rights to information, protection, participation and restitution;
    • providing for the appointment of a Victim Liaison Officer; and,
    • providing for a complaint mechanism.
  • To date, the following entities have been consulted:
    • the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre (SMRC);
    • the External Advisory Council to SMRC;
    • the Final Settlement Agreement Consultation Group;
    • the Policy Centre for Victim Issues;
    • the Directorate Professional Military Conduct-Operation HONOUR; and,
    • the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime.
  • Additionally, more general stakeholder engagement has also taken place with:
    • Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC);
    • Royal Canadian Mounted Policy (RCMP);
    • Correctional Service of Canada (CSC);
    • Parole Board of Canada (PBC);
    • Ontario Provincial Police (OPP);
    • Canadian Forces Legal Advisor (CFLA);
    • Director of Military Prosecutions (DMP);
    • Military Police Group (MP GP); and,
  • Integrated Conflict and Complaint Management (ICCM).
 

Responsible Principals: Judge Advocate General, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff

January 15, 2021

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