Joint announcement with the Minister of Justice on the creation of the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime

Remarks by the
Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of Public Safety

March 16, 2007
As delivered

Thank you, Rob.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Government of Canada is proud to announce the creation of the new Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime.

The Government has been listening to the concerns of victims. Today, we are following through on the commitment we made to Canadians.

As my colleague has just said, we are providing funds for the victims of crime, which will result in $52 million. That's $13 million each year for four years.

Ladies and gentlemen, it's very encouraging to see the variety of people who are here today. People whom we have just met in a roundtable discussion. These individuals are victims of crime or those who have had loved ones who are victims of crime. This includes our Senator Marjorie LeBreton who is here with us today.

Something that always strikes me is the fact that no matter how long ago an incident may have happened, the pain of recounting it to inspire improvements to the justice system, is always a difficult process. I appreciate that people who have been through pain resulting from an unfortunate incident, or those who are continuing to go through pain, want to join together to see that the consequences of crime are minimized for the victims.

The Government of Canada has indicated that we want to focus on the needs of the victims of crime. Yes, there are rights that are accorded to those who commit crimes, but we can't forget about the victims of crime and those who have suffered.

We have heard it all too often that victims of crime feel as though they have no voice in the justice system. Or, that they have trouble accessing the services they need and that what they have faced, and must continue to endure, is ignored.

The Government of Canada has been listening to the important concerns of victims. We believe it's time to put victims first.

We are establishing the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime. The Office will be helping victims of federal offenders. That means the Office will be working with the Correctional Service of Canada and the National Parole Board.

In terms of Public Safety Canada itself, there will be an increase of funds to the National Parole Board to assist victims at hearings and to provide everything from language services to increased information sharing.

I'm very pleased that we have the opportunity to hear from people who have been victims of crime.

Thank you.