Minister MacKay Commemorates Law Day at Canadian Bar Association Event

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 10, 2014) - Justice Canada

Introduction

Today, Justice Minister Peter MacKay highlighted the Government's commitment to victims at an activity organized for the Canadian Bar Association's Law Day celebrations in Ottawa.

Speaking to a group of students at the Albert Street Education Centre, Minister MacKay provided information about National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, as well as discussing the government's proposed Canadian Victims Bill of Rights. Discussing his experience as a Crown prosecutor, he also encouraged the group to engage in public service by working within their communities to effect change, particularly for the more vulnerable members of those communities and invited all to do their part to help victims and promote victims rights.

Quick Facts

• The Canadian Bar Association created Law Day in 1983, to celebrate the signing of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
  
  
• Law Day provides an opportunity for the public to learn more about the legal system and their rights.
  
  
• This year, Victims Week is being held from April 6-12.
  
  
• The theme for Victims Week 2014 is "Taking Action."
  
  

Quotes

"Law Day offers an excellent opportunity for Canadians to learn more about the law, how it affects us and how it moulds our country and, fundamentally, our rights. A great deal of my own career - whether in law or in public service, has been about restoring some measure of balance to the scales of justice, and ensuring that victims' voices are heard and have a place in our legal system. It's especially important to remember those voices during Victims Week, and to recognize the potential benefits of learning about the legal system, to help shape a more just Canada for the future."

Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Associated Links

National Victims of Crime Awareness Week: http://www.victimsweek.gc.ca/home-accueil.html

Law Day (Canadian Bar Association): http://www.cba.org/cba/lawday/main/

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