April 18, 2008

OTTAWA – Today, Brian Jean, Member of Parliament (Fort McMurray--Athabasca), on behalf of the Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, is pleased to announce that Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council(LSLIRC) received a total of $24, 000 to help commemorate the Annual National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.

"Victims of crime and their struggles are often overlooked, but I am proud to be part of a Government that takes victims' issues seriously,” said Brian Jean. “Just as organizations like the LSLIRC continue to promote awareness of crime victims' issues, our Government will continue to work to ensure that victims receive the assistance and support they need."

The Third Annual National Victims of Crime Awareness Week takes place from April 13 to 19. During the week, victims services in communities across Canada organize events to commemorate coming together to support victims of crime. Many of these events are made possible by Victims Fund grants, administered by the Department of Justice Canada.

In April 2007, this Government committed $52 million over four years to increase the availability of services for victims of crime. That money continues to expand the resources available to victims who choose to attend parole hearings, who experience crime while abroad, and who live in northern communities. Furthermore, the appointment last year of the first Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime also fulfilled the Government’s long-standing commitment to better meet the needs of victims of crime in matters of federal jurisdiction.

It is also important to prevent other people from becoming victims. This is why for the last two years this Government has been getting things done for Canadians:
As of May 1, 2008, our children will be better protected from sexual predators and those of commit a serious crime with a gun will face tougher sentences and bail conditions; and
As of July 2, 2008, Canadian society will be better protected from dangerous offenders, and alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers will face tougher consequences.

In addition to tackling violent crime and in keeping with its commitment to make Canadian communities safer, the Government of Canada has also:

• Introduced legislation to tackle property theft, including the serious crime of auto theft;
• Passed legislation to increase penalties for those convicted of street racing;
• Passed legislation to end conditional sentences (house arrest) for serious personal injury and violent offences, including sexual assault;
• Introduced a National Anti-Drug Strategy, including legislation that would provide mandatory jail time for serious drug crimes;
• Introduced legislation to strengthen the Youth Criminal Justice Act; and announced a comprehensive review of this Act in 2008;
• Introduced legislation to protect Canadians against identity theft; and
• Invested in crime prevention community projects across Canada that target youth.
  

Further information can be found on the following websites:

National Victims of Crime Awareness Week www.victimsweek.gc.ca

Policy Centre for Victim Issues at the Department of Justice Canada: www.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/voc/index.html

National Office for Victims of Crime at the Department of Public Safety: www.publicsafety.gc.ca/