(Ottawa, Ontario) April 4, 2014 – Yesterday the Government of Canada announced the details of the long awaited Bill C-32, dubbed the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights. The stated intention of the bill is to safeguard and honour the rights of victims throughout the legal process. Changes proposed by the bill include providing victims with access to more information about sentencing, and making it safer for vulnerable witnesses to testify.
“The bill speaks to the federal Conservatives’ long held concern that victims’ rights are overlooked while too much attention is paid to the rights of perpetrators” notes CASW President, Morel Caissie. “However, Bill C-32 would also compel a person to testify against their spouse, and specifies that victims cannot sue for damages if their rights are infringed upon or denied under the Act.”
Consequently, stakeholders and advocates are concerned that the bill will speak to victims’ rights without making concrete improvements nor investments to truly support victims of crime. As an organization that seeks to enhance the well-being of all people, CASW is united with the federal government in their interest in better meeting the needs of victims.
“CASW is looking forward to the ways in which Bill C-32 will be implemented throughout the criminal justice system, and is optimistic that it will better meet the needs of victims without trespassing on the rights of offenders” notes Caissie.
Beyond defining the rights of victims, CASW encourages the Government of Canada to invest in victims with comprehensive services and programs to ensure their rights are upheld.
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Fred Phelps, MSW, RSW
CASW, Executive Director
613-729-6668
