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

On June 18, 2026, Parliament passed legislation, Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, which amended the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR), and other laws, including the Criminal Code and the Corrections and Conditional Release Act.

The amended CVBR provides victims with two new rights:

• to be treated with respect, courtesy, compassion and fairness;
• to have their interests in the timely resolution of justice matters considered.

The CVBR amendments also enhance victims’ rights to information, protection, and participation. Victims’ right to seek restitution has been strengthened through amendments to the Criminal Code restitution provisions.

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.

The amendments to the CVBR enacted through this legislation will come into force on July 18, 2026.

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