The Harper government has tabled their long promised Victims Bill of Rights. The proposed legislation promises the right to information, protection, participation, and restitution. Peace River MP Chris Warkentin says the bill aims to make sure victims are not re-victimized by the criminal justice system.
“We finally have a piece of legislation that we think will revamp the system on a number of fronts. Number one, to ensure that victims are informed of the perpetrators whereabouts if in fact they are released from prison. We also think it’s important that people that are victims of crime are protected.”
Warkentin says the bill would ensure a victim’s security and privacy, and would protect them from any retaliation that might come as a result of pressing charges.