Canada's Victims Bill of Rights expanded with new rights to respect, timely justice, and proactive information

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights has been significantly amended to add and strengthen victims' entitlements across several areas. Two new standalone rights are created: a right to be treated with respect, courtesy, compassion and fairness, and a right to have their interest in a timely trial and timely resolution taken into consideration. Information rights are now automatic rather than requiring a request — victims no longer need to ask to receive information about the criminal justice system, investigation status, proceedings, or offender/release matters. New information rights cover protection measures available to victims and expanded detail on restorative justice processes, including how they work, expected outcomes, and the voluntary nature of participation. Identity protection rights are strengthened: complainants and witnesses must now be actively asked whether they want their identity protected, be notified when an order is made, and be told of their right to apply to revoke or vary it. The victim impact statement right is clarified to distinguish between statements to courts and statements to other bodies such as the Correctional Service of Canada and the Parole Board of Canada. Specific federal bodies — including the RCMP, ODPP, CSC, Parole Board, and others — are named as entities obligated to provide information to victims, and all federal bodies involved in the criminal justice system must make rights information readily available.

Who this affects: victims of crime · criminal justice system authorities and federal agencies · correctional and parole authorities · accused persons and offenders in restorative justice processes