Working towards introducing the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 27, 2013) - Over the past year, the Government of Canada has been working to improve the rights of victims by hearing from Canadians about how federal legislation could address the needs of victims of crime and give them a more effective voice in the criminal justice system.
Earlier this year, the Government announced that it would introduce a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights. This commitment was reconfirmed in the Government's 2013 Speech from the Throne. Between April and October, in-person consultations were held across the country with victims of crime, justice advocates and provincial and territorial governments to help inform the development of a Victims Bill of Rights, including what rights should be recognized and protected by federal legislation. An on-line consultation was also hosted on the Department of Justice website between May and September, 2013.
During the consultations, many participants expressed a desire for victims of crime to be kept informed and involved at every stage of the justice process. Others called for an increased understanding of the needs of specific victims, including young victims of crime and those who live in remote and rural communities. Throughout the consultations, there was strong support for the idea of formally recognizing the rights of victims of crime.
Input from all of the consultations is being considered and will ultimately contribute to enhancing victims' rights in Canada as the Government develops a Victims Bill of Rights. Legislation to create a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights is expected to be introduced in early 2014.
Quick Facts
Quotes
"This year we have spoken with many Canadians across the country to learn how we can improve the experience of victims as they cope with an often intimidating criminal justice system. The stories and experiences that have been shared with us will be invaluable in helping us develop legislation that aims to improve the overall treatment of victims and their families; helps ensure that victims are respected and, where possible, informed of decisions that affect them; and also addresses the rights of victims in Canada and entrenches those rights in law."
-Peter MacKay, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
"Our Government is standing up for victims of crime and ensuring that victims have a more effective voice in the criminal justice system. We have taken concrete action to ensure the voices of victims of crime are heard. I am pleased to continue our work to formally recognize the rights of victims of crime in the criminal justice and correctional systems."
-Steven Blaney, P.C., M.P. for Lévis-Bellechasse, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
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Associated Links
Background information on the consultations: http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/victims-victimes/vrights-droitsv/
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