Minister of Justice meets with new Federal Victims Ombudsman

August 18, 2010

OTTAWA — The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today met with Sue O’Sullivan, the new Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, and pledged to work with her on behalf of victims of crime.

“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting victims of crime and to ensuring victims have a greater voice in the criminal justice system and more access to available services,” said Minister Nicholson. “I know that Ms. O’Sullivan will serve as a strong voice for victims in Canada and I thank her for taking on this important role.”

“Helping victims of crime has been my passion for years and I am delighted to have this opportunity to make a difference for victims of crime in Canada,” said Ms. O’Sullivan. “Working together with the victims who contact us, other government departments and the organizations across Canada dedicated to helping victims, we will take action to ensure that the needs and concerns of victims are being heard and addressed.”

Ms. O’Sullivan began her duties as Ombudsman on August 16, 2010, and comes to the position following an extensive and accomplished career in the police service.
The establishment of the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime was part of the $52-million package announced in 2007 to better meet the needs of victims of crime, including:

• the Victims Fund, which provides resources for victims of crime, support provincial and territorial services, and non-governmental organizations;
• support for Canadians victimized abroad;
• National Parole Board hearings;
• testimonial aids to assist child victims and witnesses with videoconferencing for testimony; and
• support for underserved victims including northern and Aboriginal victims.
  
  

In addition, Budget 2010 provided additional funding of $6.6 million over two years.
The Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime operates at arm’s length from the government, helping victims to address their needs, promoting their interests and making recommendations to the federal government on issues that impact victims. The provinces and territories continue to be the primary providers of victim services.

For more information on the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, please visit http://www.victimsfirst.gc.ca.