Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and Changes Affecting Victims in the Parole Process

On April 23, 2015, Parliament passed legislation creating the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR), and amending other existing laws, including the Criminal Code and the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.

The CVBR provides clear rights for victims of crime at the federal level, which include the right to information, protection, participation, and the right to seek restitution. Under the CVBR, victims also have the right to make a complaint to a federal department or agency if they believe that their rights have not been respected by them.

The changes introduced as a result of this legislation will take effect in various stages. Many of these changes are already part of the Parole Board of Canada's (PBC) policies and procedures.

For more information on victim services and the parole process, please visit PBC's Victims and the parole process page.