VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT AMENDMENTS NOW IN FORCE

Amendments to The Victims of Crime Act and Regulations come into force today, to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of crime in Saskatchewan.

"Keeping Saskatchewan communities safe is a top priority of our government," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "These changes to The Victims of Crime Act and Regulations will help us respond better to the needs of victims of crime or traumatic events. An important feature of these amendments is a list of guiding principles that set out how victims of crime should be treated by the criminal justice system, such as ensuring they are treated with courtesy, compassion and respect."

The amendments also improve the administration of the Victims Compensation Program, which provides payment for expenses resulting from a violent crime. Changes include: lengthening the period to apply for compensation from one to two years; compensating immediate family members of homicide victims for counselling services; increasing the maximum amount for counselling from $1,000 to $2,000 in exceptional cases; including traditional Aboriginal healing methods as counselling; and providing an appeal process.

"I am pleased that the Act includes Saskatchewan's principles that promote fair treatment of victims of crime, to reflect their specific needs during a difficult time," Quennell said.

Saskatchewan's principles are based on "Canada's Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime 2003", approved by Ministers responsible for Victims Services across Canada.

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For More Information, Contact:

Andrew Dinsmore Justice Regina Phone: 306-787-8606 Email: adinsmore@justice.gov.sk.ca