Letter Addressed to the Honourable Kamal Khera Regarding the Upcoming Hate Crimes Report from the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime

December 5, 2024

The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disability
140 Promenade du Portage, Phase IV
Gatineau, Quebec  K1A 0J9

Re: Notification of Upcoming Release of Special Report Strengthening Access to Justice for Victims of Hate Crime in Canada

Dear Minister Khera,

I would first like to commend you for your dedicated work in championing diversity and inclusion in our country. It is encouraging to see the renewal of Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy and the introduction of Canada's first National Action Plan on Combatting Hate.

As Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime, an essential part of my role is to identify systemic issues that negatively impact victims of crime and to recommend ways the federal government can make its laws, policies, and programs more responsive to the needs of victims and survivors in Canada.

Hate, in all its forms, is a critical concern for my Office. On Human Rights Day, December 10, we will release a special report, titled “Strengthening Access to Justice for Victims of Hate Crime in Canada.” It contains 13 recommendations.

Our first recommendation emphasizes the need to ensure that victim rights play a central role in Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate. Specifically, we encourage the Action Plan to engage with the rights set out in the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR), which holds quasiconstitutional status. This is essential for any federal policy or legislation related to victims of crime.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the work of our Office and how we can collaborate constructively on the implementation of the Action Plan.

Yours sincerely,

 

Benjamin Roebuck
Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime

cc: The Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Encl. (1)