December 27, 2013 – Ottawa, ON – Department of Justice Canada
Over the past year, the Government of Canada has been working to improve the rights of victims by hearing from Canadians about how federal legislation could address the needs of victims of crime and give them a more effective voice in the criminal justice system.
Earlier this year, the Government announced that it would introduce a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights. This commitment was reconfirmed in the Government’s 2013 Speech from the Throne. Between April and October, in-person consultations were held across the country with victims of crime, justice advocates and provincial and territorial governments to help inform the development of a Victims Bill of Rights, including what rights should be recognized and protected by federal legislation. An on-line consultation was also hosted on the Department of Justice website between May and September, 2013.
During the consultations, many participants expressed a desire for victims of crime to be kept informed and involved at every stage of the justice process. Others called for an increased understanding of the needs of specific victims, including young victims of crime and those who live in remote and rural communities. Throughout the consultations, there was strong support for the idea of formally recognizing the rights of victims of crime.
Input from all of the consultations is being considered and will ultimately contribute to enhancing victims’ rights in Canada as the Government develops a Victims Bill of Rights. Legislation to create a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights is expected to be introduced in early 2014.
- Paloma Aguilar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621
- Media Relations
Department of Justice 613-957-4207
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