July 24, 2015 – Halifax, NS – Department of Justice.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Peter MacKay today announced the coming-into-force of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights. The new law provides clear rights for victims of crime at the federal level - a first in Canadian history. The Minister also highlighted Criminal Code amendments in the Tougher Penalties for Child Predators Act that also recently came into force to better protect children from a range of sexual offences.
The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights includes a balanced package of rights that will deliver real and concrete change for victims of crime without compromising the efficiency of the criminal justice system. In recognition of the costs associated with the implementation process, the Government is providing more than $54 million to support the consistent, timely and effective implementation of this historic legislation.
The development of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights was informed by stakeholder consultations held by the Government of Canada online and in person in every province and territory. During the consultations, many shared stories of their interactions with the criminal justice system and called for an increased understanding of the needs of victims of crime. Participants expressed a desire for victims of crime to be kept better informed at every stage of the justice process.
By creating the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, the Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment in the 2013 Speech from the Throne, a commitment reiterated in Budget 2014. The legislation is also part of the Government's Plan for Safe Streets and Communities, which focuses on holding violent offenders accountable, enhancing the rights of victims, and increasing the efficiency of the justice system.
The Tougher Penalties for Child Predators Act puts an end to sentencing discounts for child sex offenders who commit crimes against multiple children by requiring those sentenced at the same time for child sexual offences against multiple victims to serve their sentences consecutively. It also increases the maximum and minimum prison sentences for certain child sexual offences.
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