Minister of Justice Participates in St. John's Consultation to Discuss Victims Bill of Rights

ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR--(Marketwired - Aug. 26, 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 victims of crime and justice advocates in St. John's to discuss key priorities for the creation of a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.

"Our Government is committed to enhancing the rights of victims of crime and putting an end to a system where far too often people feel that they have been re-victimized." said Minister MacKay. "The stories and experiences we are hearing during these consultations are critical in helping us identify how to best recognize and protect the rights of victims to ensure that our justice system is inclusive and responsive to those most affected by crime."

This consultation follows the Government's commitment in February to entrench the rights of victims of crime by bringing forward legislation to develop a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights. Views expressed by those at the consultation 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 ultimately contribute to enhancing victims' rights in Canada.

The development of a federal Victims Bill of Rights builds on the Government's record of achievements in giving victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice and corrections systems. These achievements include:

• Allocating more than $120 million since 2006 to give victims a more effective voice through initiatives delivered by the Department of Justice Canada;
• Designating $10.25 million for new or enhanced child advocacy centres to address the needs of child and youth victims of crime;
• Creating the Federal Victims Strategy in 2007 and its permanent renewal in 2011;
• Establishing the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime;
• Introducing legislation to double the victim surcharge and make it mandatory; and
• Eliminating the faint-hope clause, which allowed murderers to obtain early parole.

The 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.

Internet: http://www.justice.gc.ca

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