Improving Access to Services for Victims of Crime in Nova Scotia
Press Release
October 12, 2016 – Halifax, NS – Department of Justice Canada
Victims of crime deserve to have access to services that respond to their needs as well as the needs of their families and communities.
Today, Member of Parliament for Halifax Andy Fillmore, on behalf of the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, accompanied by the Honourable Diana Whalen, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Nova Scotia, announced funding of more than $3.75 million over five years to help Victims Services at the Nova Scotia Department of Justice build its capacity to respond to an increasing demand for victims services. The funding will support direct services to victims of crime that include services tailored to Indigenous victims, resources to help victims collect restitution payments from offenders, and measures to facilitate the participation of victims in the justice system.
Quotes
“Victim services are an important part of a justice system that is fair, efficient and accessible to all Canadians. Victims should have access to services and programs that can help them recover from the crimes committed against them, as well as opportunities for meaningful participation in the criminal justice system. This can be particularly true for victims who also are more vulnerable due to cultural, social and economic challenges. This includes women, Indigenous peoples, minority groups and immigrants. I am pleased that this funding will provide enhanced supports to these and other victims.”
Andy Fillmore
Member of Parliament for Halifax
“I want to thank the Government of Canada for their investment in victim services on behalf of all Nova Scotians,” said Justice Minister Diana Whalen. “This agreement will help victims of crime navigate the justice system and receive the support they need.”
The Honourable Diana Whalen
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Nova Scotia
Quick Facts
- Indigenous people are often over-represented in the criminal justice system, both as offenders and as victims of crime. This funding responds to the needs of victims of crime who are Indigenous by supporting an Aboriginal Victim Case Coordinator position in the Provincial Victim Services Program and contributing to culturally supportive services delivered by the Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network.
- The Government of Canada’s contribution will help fund a coordinator to assist victims in collecting restitution payments from offenders. Enforcing restitution payments in civil courts is often a long and complex process that is rarely successful.
- The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights includes rights for victims to participate in the criminal justice process. This funding will help cover victims’ expenses when travelling to court to deliver their impact statements. As well, the funding will go towards testimonial aids such as video conferencing equipment that would allow victims to provide testimony or impact statements from outside the courtroom.
- This contribution is made available through the Department of Justice Canada’s Victims Fund. In 2016-2017, this Fund will provide more than $21 million to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to increase awareness and knowledge of victim issues, legislation, and services available, as well as to develop and deliver victim programs, services, and assistance to meet gaps in services for victims of crime. To date, Justice has also announced Victims Fund agreements with the provinces of British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
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Contacts
Valérie Gervais
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621
Media Relations
Department of Justice
613-957-4207
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