victims rights
Conservative crime bill stokes fear and clogs courts, group warns
By: TAMARA BALUJA, Globe and Mail
Though touted as a message of hope for victims, the Conservative government’s omnibus crime bill won’t actually help them at all, a seasoned victims-rights advocate says.
Steve Sullivan, the former federal ombudsman for victims of crime, argues the Conservatives – specifically Justice Minister Rob Nicholson and Public Safety Minister Vic Toews – have a “very narrow view” of the needs of victims.
Bill C-10 is being sold as legislation that will benefit victims when it’s likely to do just the opposite, Mr. Sullivan said. Crown counsel, he added, are warning the bill would increase their caseloads, which would in turn mean more plea bargains and dropped charges. Read more »
