GOVERNMENT OF CANADA LAUNCHES NATIONAL VICTIMS OF CRIME AWARENESS WEEK

OTTAWA, April 23, 2012 – Today, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, was joined by the Honourable Vic Toews, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Provencher, and Minister of Public Safety, and the Honourable Senator Pierre-Hughes Boisvenu, to launch National Victims of Crime Awareness Week (NVCAW).

Minister Nicholson announced that the Government of Canada will increase funding to the Victim's Fund by $7 million over five years, $5 million of which will be directed to the creation and enhancement of Child Advocacy Centres across Canada. Minister Nicholson also announced that the government has amended the terms and conditions of the Victims Fund to allow non-governmental groups serving victims to apply for time-limited operational funding.

"Our Government is committed to providing victims of crime, and those who serve them, with the tools and support they require," said Minister Nicholson. "The new funding announced in this year's Budget further demonstrates the commitment this Government has made to victims of crime."

"Over the past six years we have made it clear that victims are an important part of the federal justice and correctional systems," said Minister Toews. "Since this Government was brought to power, we have established the Office for the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, and given victims a greater voice in the correctional and justice systems."

"Non-governmental groups that serve victims of crime will soon be able to apply for operational funding to allow them to strengthen their services," said Senator Boisvenu. "Our Government has taken strong action for victims of crime because we believe the justice system must not put the rights of criminals ahead of those of victims."

The 7th annual NVCAW builds on the Government's previous actions for victims of crime. In 2007, the Government announced the Federal Victims Strategy and committed $52 million over four years to respond to the needs of victims of crime. In Budget 2011, the Government announced $26 million in renewed funding over two years for the Federal Victims Strategy.

This year's Victims Week will be marked by more than 160 events and projects being held in all provinces and territories, with a federal government investment of more than $1.4 million for these local events.

Backgrounders:

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Ref.:

  • Julie Di Mambro
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Justice
    613-992-4621

  • Media Relations
    Department of Justice
    613-957-4207