HALIFAX — The federal goverment has announced $54 million in funding to support the implementation of the new Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.
Federal justice minister Peter MacKay made the announcement in Halifax today.
The bill of rights creates statutory rights for victims of crime in Canada including the right to the protection of their identity, the right to participate in the criminal justice process and the right to seek restitution.
It was developed through stakeholder consultations held by the government online and in person in every province and territory.
MacKay said the funding is intended to support the implementation of the bill of rights through existing resources as well as the allocation of new federal resources.
The bill of rights and related amendments to the Criminal Code, Canada Evidence Act and Employment Insurance Act came into force on Thursday.