Remarks by Ombudsperson on Bill S-12 in Joint Press Conference

April 26, 2023

Thank you, Minister Lametti.

As Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime, I am responsible to make recommendations to improve rights and services for victims and survivors across Canada.

Today is a significant step toward stronger implementation of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights. Responding to the needs of victims of crime is not a partisan issue, but a foundational responsibility of government.

I was pleased to see the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights adopt a unified recommendation to provide victims of crime with information about their rights automatically, rather than waiting for them to ask. Information is a Gateway right. 

Tangible benefits

[While the sex offender registry is not a publically available tool,] this bill will improve access to victim services and produce tangible benefits.

At the time of sentencing, a judge will ask and record if the best efforts were taken to see if victims want to receive information post-sentence, and this option will also be added to victim impact statements.

With consent, the law would allow victim contact information to be shared with the Correctional Service of Canada to ensure victims are notified about key dates like parole hearings or the release of the person who harmed them.

These measures respect federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions and privacy laws. And will ensure more equitable access to victim services for Indigenous and Black survivors, who are currently underrepresented.   

Achievement
This has been the top priority of our Office since I was appointed in October, building on the work of each previous Ombudsperson.

Most importantly, today, we are listening to the voices of victims and survivors of crime, and choosing to respond with compassion. Victims and survivors are worthy of respect, worthy of dignity, and worthy to receive information.