Ottawa – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo applauded the recent new legislation to create a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.
For the first time in Canadian history this legislation will establish clear rights for victims of crime.
“Today’s legislation is based on consultations that the federal government held over the past year, with many victims of crime sharing their stories about the criminal justice system,” said McLeod. “Many stated their desire to be kept better informed and remain involved at every stage of the justice process.”
Bill C-32, Victims Bill of Rights Act will create the following statutory rights for victims of crime:
• Right to information: Victims would have the right to general information about the criminal justice system and available victim services and programs, as well as specific information about the progress of the case, including information relating to the investigation, prosecution and sentencing of the person who harmed them.
• Right to protection: Victims would have the right to have their security and privacy considered at all stages of the criminal justice process, to have reasonable and necessary measures to protect them from intimidation and retaliation, and to request their identity be protected from public disclosure.
• Right to participation: Victims would have a right to convey their views about decisions to be made by criminal justice professionals and have them considered at various stages of the criminal justice process, and to present a victim impact statement.
• Right to restitution: Victims would have the right to have the court consider making a restitution order for all offences for which there are easy-to-calculate financial losses.
“This legislation is part of our Government’s Plan for Safe Streets and Communities, which focuses on holding violent offenders accountable, enhancing the rights of victims, and increasing the efficiency of our justice system,” concluded McLeod.