January 3, 2014 – Ottawa, ON – Department of Justice Canada
The Government is delivering on its commitment to protect Canadians from not criminally responsible (NCR) accused persons who have been found to pose a higher risk of committing violence if released. Since Bill C-14, the Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act, was reinstated on November 25, 2013, it was passed in the House of Commons and is currently before the Senate.
Bill C-14 would ensure that public safety comes first in the decision-making process with respect to accused persons found NCR or unfit to stand trial on account of mental disorder. The proposed legislation would also enhance the safety of victims and promote greater victim involvement. The Bill addresses concerns raised by victims and their families as well as the provinces and territories.
The legislation would create a new designation process to protect the public from NCR accused persons who are found by the court to pose a higher risk of committing acts of violence. Families of some victims have applauded the Government’s action to reduce the risk of repeat violent actions by proposing to create the high-risk designation and ensuring that victims are better informed about the status of the NCR accused. Upon being designated by a court as high-risk, an NCR accused would be held in custody in a hospital and would not be released by a review board until the high-risk designation was revoked by a court.
- 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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