Statement on the Publication of the 2023-24 Annual Report

The Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) is pleased to share its 2023-24 Annual Report, highlighting a year of meaningful progress and urgent calls for reform. The report draws attention to key achievements to better meet victim needs.

1. Bill S-12: A Milestone for Survivor Rights

The passing of Bill S-12 is a positive shift in how survivors of sexual violence are treated in the justice system. Courts need to ask if survivors want a publication ban. The legislation also ensures victims are asked if they wish to receive information about the offender’s sentence and release.

“To the courageous survivors who have advocated for S-12, thank you.”

— Benjamin Roebuck, Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime

These changes reflect years of advocacy and are a direct response to survivors’ calls for autonomy, transparency, and respect.

2. Review of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR) to Make Victim Rights Enforceable

Nearly a decade after its enactment, enforcing victim rights provided under the CVBR remains difficult and our Office is calling for its immediate amendment to:

• Strengthen rights to information, participation, protection, and restitution
• Provide legal remedies for rights violations
• Grant the Ombudsperson statutory authority to support victims

Currently the CVBR denies victims status, cause of action, or a right to appeal when their rights are violated. It must be amended to respect victim rights and make them enforceable.

3. Ensure the Office’s Autonomy to Meet Demands

In 2023–24, the Office opened 1,035 case files—a 60% increase from the previous year. This surge reinforces the need for:

• Adequate funding to respond to complaints and information requests
• Modernization of the outdated case management system

4. National systemic investigation into how survivors of sexual violence are treated in the CJS.

The final report of this investigation, launched in March 2024, was made public on November 19, 2025.

As we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the CVBR, the Office renews its commitment to ensuring that survivors are heard, respected, and protected. We call on Parliament to act with compassion and leadership to make victim rights real, enforceable, and supported.