Minister of Justice Participates in Yellowknife Consultation to Discuss Victims Bill of Rights
YELLOWKNIFE, July 31, 2013 – The Honourable Peter MacKay, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today met with stakeholders to discuss key priorities for the creation of a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.
“Today’s consultation is critical in helping guide the development of a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights”
said Minister MacKay. “Our Government is listening to those directly impacted by our criminal justice system, along with their advocates, to ensure that future legislation adequately responds to the needs of victims of crime.”
This consultation follows the Government's commitment in February to entrench the rights of victims of crime by bringing forward legislation to implement a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights. Views expressed by those present will add to information provided through other cross-country consultations and to the online public consultation being hosted on the Department of Justice website until September 3, 2013, at http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/victims-victimes/vrights-droitsv/. These consultations will contribute to increasing the strength of victims’ rights in Canada.
The development of a Victims Bill of Rights builds on the Government's record of achievements in giving victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system. These achievements include:
- establishing the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime;
- creating the Federal Victims Strategy in 2007 and its permanent renewal in 2011;
- allocating more than $120 million to give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice and corrections systems through programs and initiatives delivered by the Department of Justice Canada;
- allocating $10.25 million for new or enhanced Child Advocacy Centres since 2010 to address the needs of child and youth victims of crime;
- introducing legislation to double the victims' surcharge and make it mandatory; and
- eliminating the faint-hope clause, which allowed murderers to obtain early parole.
Victims Bill of Rights consultations are part of the Government's Plan for Safe Streets and Communities, which is one of four priorities identified by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. This Plan focuses on tackling crime, enhancing victims' rights, and ensuring a fair and efficient justice system.
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