Stronger Rights and Support for Crime Victims

Summary#

• This bill updates the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and creates a federal plan to put victims’ rights into practice. It aims to make information and support easier to get, improve help with restitution (money owed by offenders), and set national standards and training.

• It also requires a public report on how the government will carry this out and follow-up reporting on results.

• Key changes:

  • Victims would get certain information automatically, not only if they ask (about their rights, the case, and the accused/offender).
  • New right to access support services suited to their needs (legal, social, medical, psychological).
  • A broader “right to reparations,” including access to restorative justice programs and having courts consider restitution.
  • Help for victims to enter and enforce restitution orders.
  • A clearer path to complain to a designated federal authority if rights are not upheld.
  • Mandatory training for justice system staff and a national implementation framework with standards, an awareness campaign, stronger roles for victims at sentencing and parole, and steps to strengthen the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime.

What it means for you#

• Victims and families

  • You would receive key information about your rights, the investigation/court process, and the accused/offender without needing to request it.
  • You would have a right to access support services that fit your situation (for example, help with court, counseling, or medical care). Details and minimum standards would be set in the new framework.
  • Courts must consider restitution, and you would have a right to get help entering and enforcing restitution orders.
  • You could have more ways to take part in the justice process, including sentencing and parole hearings.
  • There would be a national awareness campaign to explain your rights and how to use them.
  • If your complaint is not resolved within a federal department or agency, you could take it to a designated review authority.

• People who are accused or convicted

  • Your case may involve more input from victims at sentencing and during parole reviews.
  • The bill states it should not reduce access to justice or fairness in the criminal process.

• Justice system staff (police, prosecutors, court and parole staff, corrections)

  • You would be required to complete victims’ rights training within three months of starting the job and at least every three years after that (for federal authorities; training will also be made available for provincial staff).
  • You would need to provide information to victims proactively and help with restitution enforcement.

• Federal and provincial governments

  • The federal Justice Minister must develop and publish an implementation framework within one year, after consulting provinces, the Federal Ombudsperson, and victims’ groups.
  • The framework must set minimum service standards, outline remedies when rights are not upheld, strengthen victim participation, adjust parole processes to be more open to victims, run a national awareness campaign, and propose any needed law changes.
  • Provinces would be consulted and offered training resources; many day-to-day services remain under provincial control.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

• The bill requires developing and delivering national training, running a public awareness campaign, and providing assistance to enforce restitution orders, which would likely increase federal justice system costs.
• Provinces and territories may face costs if they expand services or adopt training and standards identified in the framework.

Proponents' View#

• Automatic information makes rights real; many victims do not know what they are entitled to unless the system tells them.
• A right to access services and national minimum standards would reduce uneven support across the country.
• Help enforcing restitution makes court orders meaningful, not just words on paper.
• Training ensures police, prosecutors, corrections, and parole staff understand and uphold victims’ rights.
• A clear implementation framework, public reporting, and a stronger, more independent Federal Ombudsperson improve accountability.
• More space for victims and families at sentencing and parole can improve trust and confidence in the justice system.

Opponents' View#

• Without clear funding, new duties (training, awareness, proactive information-sharing, restitution help) could strain already stretched agencies and cause delays.
• Making information automatic may create administrative burdens and risks of errors or privacy concerns if not managed carefully.
• The broader “right to reparations” could raise expectations that go beyond what courts or services can deliver, leading to frustration.
• Centralizing complaints with a designated authority might make the process slower or less flexible than existing channels.
• Changes to parole and sentencing participation could lengthen hearings and shift focus away from rehabilitation if not balanced well.
• The federal framework may overlap with provincial responsibilities, creating coordination challenges.