May 27, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Government of Canada
A well-functioning criminal justice system is one that serves all Canadians, protects victims and their families, and builds a safer and better Canada.
Today, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness launched Victims and Survivors of Crime Week.
The goal of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week is to raise awareness nationwide about the issues facing victims and survivors of crime and the services, programs, and laws in place to help them and their families.
The theme for this year's Victims and Survivors of Crime Week is "The Power of Collaboration." This theme recognizes that Canada has made significant advances within the criminal justice system and victim services field to increase collaboration and make the system more responsive to the needs of victims of crime. It highlights the ongoing need to enhance cross-sector collaboration, coordination, partnerships, and multi-disciplinary responses to better support victims.
Justice Canada, along with Public Safety Canada, is hosting the annual Victims and Survivors of Crime Week federal symposium today in Fredericton, New Brunswick. This forum acknowledges the dedication and hard work of victim advocates, victim service providers and criminal justice professionals from across Canada and will advance the discussion on how best to support and understand the needs of victims of crime, survivors, and their families, including marginalized groups such as 2SLGBTQI+ or persons living with a disability.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to be a part of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week and is proud to be taking part in the annual federal symposium. The Government of Canada provides funding for community events across the country that help raise awareness about the issues facing victims and survivors of crime. The theme of this year's Victims Week focuses on collaboration among justice system professionals and across sectors, which I believe is key to ensuring that the criminal justice system is responsive to the immediate and ongoing needs of victims and helps ensure a fair and compassionate justice system for all Canadians."
The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
"Victims and Survivors of Crime Week reminds us that victims and their families should receive the information and the services that they are entitled to, but also respectful acknowledgment of what they have gone through. The Government of Canada is working to ensure that victims of crime, survivors, and their families, are treated with courtesy, compassion, respect, and that their rights are properly considered at all stages of the criminal justice process. Not only during this important week, but always, let's learn from one another and empower victims in making informed choices, getting the support they need and addressing concerns about their safety and well-being."
The Honourable Ralph Goodale, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Quick facts
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2019 marks the 14th annual Victims and Survivors of Crime Week and Federal Symposium.
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This year, the Government of Canada has funded 179 Victims and Survivors of Crime Week projects in all provinces and territories, worth a total of $1.3 million that will raise awareness about the needs of victims and the services available to victims, survivors, and families.
