Calgary, August 14, 2012 – Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Q.C., M.P. for Delta-Richmond East and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice on behalf of the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide program funding to support victims of crime in Alberta. Ms. Findlay was accompanied by the Honourable Jonathan Denis, Q.C., Minister of Justice and Solicitor General of Alberta.
"Our Government has taken a strong position to advance the interests of victims of crime," said Ms. Findlay. "We are committed to helping victims move forward by providing them with the support and tools that they need. I am pleased to see this funding is directed towards remote communities in Alberta where victims face unique challenges."
Speaking in Calgary, Ms. Findlay announced $953,282 to Alberta Victim Services, within the Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General, for the training of victim services workers. The funding will also enhance victim services in 12 northern Aboriginal communities, all of which are experiencing high levels of violent crime and victimization.
"I would like to thank the Government of Canada for this important funding, which will help us continue to provide victims of crime with excellent services," said Minister Denis. "Victims deserve to be put first, and this funding will enable us to continue to support them as they rebuild their lives."
The Government has allocated more than $90 million over the past six years for initiatives that benefit victims of crime. Funds are available to provinces, territories and non-governmental organizations for programs and services that give victims of crime a more effective voice in the criminal justice system.
Backgrounder: Federal Victims Strategy and Victims Fund
