OTTAWA, April 22, 2013 – Today, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, launched the 2013 National Victims of Crime Awareness Week at a Federal Symposium, attended by victims, victim advocates, victim service organizations, and policy-makers.
“Our Government is committed to helping victims of crime and providing them with the support and services they need. The theme of this year’s Victims Week—We All Have a Role—is especially fitting, because it recognizes the needs of victims and the role each of us can play in helping those affected by crime,”
said Minister Nicholson. “This week is an opportunity for all of us to learn more about the services available for victims, so that we can direct them towards the help they need.”
Victims Week is being observed across Canada from April 21st to 27th with the theme “We All Have a Role.” Through the Victims Fund, victim service organizations were provided with up to $10,000 in funding to host events during Victims Week. This year, more than 175 events and projects will be held across the country, with a federal government investment of more than $1.5 million.
“Our Government has worked hard to introduce reforms that give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system,”
said Minister Nicholson. “Victims can count on us to continue working to ensure they receive the respect they so rightfully deserve.”
The National Victims of Crime Awareness Week is in keeping with the Government's Plan for Safe Streets and Communities, one of four priorities identified by the Prime Minister. This Plan focuses on tackling crime, victims' rights, and fair and efficient justice. In February, the Government announced its intention to move forward with a Victims’ Bill of Rights that would enshrine the rights of victims into legislation, as well as to address the important issue of restitution by facilitating victims’ ability to obtain restitution where they incur losses. The Government of Canada’s action on supporting victims of crime builds on actions that have already been taken to further advance the interests of victims of crime, including:
- the establishment of the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime;
- the creation of the Federal Victims Strategy, with more than $90 million allocated since 2007 for programs and services that help give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system;
- the allocation of more than $10 million for new or enhanced Child Advocacy Centres since 2010 to address the needs of child and youth victims of crime.
- the introduction of legislation to double the victims' surcharge and to make it mandatory; and
- the elimination of the faint hope clause.
Backgrounder: Funded Projects for National Victims of Crime Awareness Week 2013
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