Bill C-32

2nd Session, 41st Parliament,

62-63 Elizabeth II, 2013-2014

house of commons of canada

BILL C-32

An Act to enact the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and to amend certain Acts

Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

SHORT TITLE

1. This Act may be cited as the Victims Bill of Rights Act.

CANADIAN VICTIMS BILL OF RIGHTS

2. The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights is enacted as follows:

An Act for the Recognition of Victims Rights

Whereas crime has a harmful impact on victims and on society;

Whereas victims of crime and their families deserve to be treated with courtesy, compassion and respect, including respect for their dignity;

Whereas it is important that victims’ rights be considered throughout the criminal justice system;

Whereas victims of crime have rights that are guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;

Whereas consideration of the rights of victims of crime is in the interest of the proper administration of justice;

Whereas the federal, provincial and territorial governments share responsibility for criminal justice;

Whereas, in 1988, the federal, provincial and territorial governments endorsed the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime and, in 2003, the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime, 2003;

Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

SHORT TITLE

1. This Act may be cited as the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.

INTERPRETATION

2. The following definitions apply in this Act.

“offence” means an offence under the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act or the Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, a designated substance offence as defined in subsection 2(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act or an offence under section 91 or Part 3 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

“victim” means an individual who has suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss as the result of the commission or alleged commission of an offence.

3. Any of the following individuals may exercise a victim’s rights under this Act if the victim is dead or incapable of acting on their own behalf:

(a) the victim’s spouse or the individual who was at the time of the victim’s death their spouse;

(b) the individual who is or was at the time of the victim’s death, cohabiting with them in a conjugal relationship, having so cohabited for a period of at least one year;

(c) a relative or dependant of the victim;

(d) an individual who has in law or fact custody, or is responsible for the care or support, of the victim;

(e) an individual who has in law or fact custody, or is responsible for the care or support, of a dependant of the victim.

4. An individual is not a victim in relation to an offence, or entitled to exercise a victim’s rights under this Act, if the individual is charged with the offence, found guilty of the offence or found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder or unfit to stand trial in respect of the offence.

5. For the purpose of this Act, the criminal justice system consists of

(a) the investigation and prosecution of offences in Canada;

(b) the corrections process and the conditional release process in Canada; and

(c) the proceedings of courts and Review Boards, as those terms are defined in subsection 672.1(1) of the Criminal Code, in respect of accused who are found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder or unfit to stand trial.

RIGHTS

Information

6. Every victim has the right, on request, to information about

(a) the criminal justice system and the role of victims in it;

(b) the services and programs available to them as a victim, including restorative justice programs; and

(c) their right to file a complaint for an infringement or denial of any of their rights under this Act.

7. Every victim has the right, on request, to information about

(a) the status and outcome of the investigation into the offence; and

(b) the location of proceedings in relation to the offence, when they will take place and their progress and outcome.

8. Every victim has the right, on request, to information about

(a) reviews under the Corrections and Conditional Release Act relating to the offender’s conditional release and the timing and conditions of that release; and

(b) hearings held for the purpose of making dispositions, as defined in subsection 672.1(1) of the Criminal Code, in relation to the accused, if the accused is found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder or unfit to stand trial, and the dispositions made at those hearings.

Protection

9. Every victim has the right to have their security considered by the appropriate author- ities in the criminal justice system.

10. Every victim has the right to have reasonable and necessary measures taken by the appropriate authorities in the criminal justice system to protect the victim from intimidation and retaliation.

11. Every victim has the right to have their privacy considered by the appropriate author- ities in the criminal justice system.

12. Every victim has the right to request that their identity be protected if they are a complainant to the offence or a witness in proceedings relating to the offence.

13. Every victim has the right to request testimonial aids when appearing as a witness in proceedings relating to the offence.

Participation

14. Every victim has the right to convey their views about decisions to be made by appropriate authorities in the criminal justice system that affect the victim’s rights under this Act and to have those views considered.

15. Every victim has the right to present a victim impact statement to the appropriate authorities in the criminal justice system and to have it considered.

Restitution

16. Every victim has the right to have the court consider making a restitution order against the offender.

17. Every victim in whose favour a restitution order is made has the right, if they are not paid, to have the order entered as a civil court judgment that is enforceable against the offend- er.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

18. (1) This Act applies in respect of a victim of an offence in their interactions with the criminal justice system

(a) while the offence is investigated or prosecuted;

(b) while the offender is subject to the corrections process or the conditional release process in relation to the offence; and

(c) while the accused is, in relation to the offence, under the jurisdiction of a court or a Review Board, as those terms are defined in subsection 672.1(1) of the Criminal Code, if they are found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder or unfit to stand trial.

(2) For the purpose of subsection (1), if an offence is reported to the appropriate authorities in the criminal justice system, the investigation of the offence is deemed to begin at the time of the reporting.

(3) This Act does not apply in respect of offences that are service offences, as defined in subsection 2(1) of the National Defence Act, that are investigated or proceeded with under that Act.

19. (1) The rights of victims under this Act are to be exercised through the mechanisms provided by law.

(2) A victim is entitled to exercise their rights under this Act only if they are present in Canada or they are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

20. This Act is to be construed and applied in a manner that is reasonable in the circumstances, and in a manner that is not likely to

(a) interfere with the proper administration of justice, including

(i) by causing interference with police discretion or causing excessive delay in, or compromising or hindering, the investigation of any offence, and

(ii) by causing interference with prosecutorial discretion or causing excessive delay in, or compromising or hindering, the prosecution of any offence;

(b) interfere with ministerial discretion;

(c) interfere with the discretion that may be exercised by any person or body authorized to release an offender into the community;

(d) endanger the life or safety of any individual; or

(e) cause injury to international relations or national defence or national security.

21. To the extent that it is possible to do so, every Act of Parliament enacted — and every order, rule or regulation made under such an Act — before, on or after the day on which this Act comes into force must be construed and applied in a manner that is compatible with the rights under this Act.

22. (1) If, after the application of sections 20 and 21, there is any inconsistency between any provision of this Act and any provision of any Act, order, rule or regulation referred to in section 21, the provision of this Act prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of the Canadian Bill of Rights, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Official Languages Act, the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act and orders, rules and regulations made under any of those Acts.

23. No adverse inference is to be drawn against a person who is charged with an offence from the fact that an individual has been identified as a victim in relation to the offence.

24. Nothing in this Act is to be construed so as to permit any individual to

(a) enter Canada or to remain in Canada beyond the end of the period for which they are authorized to so remain;

(b) delay any removal proceedings or prevent the enforcement of any removal order; or

(c) delay any extradition proceedings or prevent the extradition of any person to or from Canada.

REMEDIES

25. (1) Every victim who is of the opinion that any of their rights under this Act have been infringed or denied by a federal department, agency or body has the right to file a complaint in accordance with its complaints mechanism.

(2) Every victim who has exhausted their recourse under the complaints mechanism and who is not satisfied with the response of the federal department, agency or body may file a complaint with any authority that has jurisdiction to review complaints in relation to that department, agency or body.

(3) Every federal department, agency or body that is involved in the criminal justice system must have a complaints mechanism that provides for

(a) a review of complaints involving alleged infringements or denials of rights under this Act;

(b) the power to make recommendations to remedy such infringements and denials; and

(c) the obligation to notify victims of the result of those reviews and of the recommendations, if any were made.

26. Every victim who is of the opinion that their rights under this Act have been infringed or denied by a provincial or territorial department, agency or body may file a complaint in accordance with the laws of the province or territory.

27. Nothing in this Act is to be construed as granting to, or removing from, any victim or any individual acting on behalf of a victim the status of party, intervenor or observer in any proceedings.

28. No cause of action or right to damages arises from an infringement or denial of a right under this Act.

29. No appeal lies from any decision or order solely on the grounds that a right under this Act has been infringed or denied.

CRIMINAL CODE

Amendments to the Act

3. The definition “victim” in section 2 of the Criminal Code is replaced by the following:

“victim” means a person against whom an offence has been committed, or is alleged to have been committed, who has suffered, or is alleged to have suffered, physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss as the result of the commission or alleged commission of the offence and includes, for the purposes of sections 672.5, 722 and 745.63, a person who has suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss as the result of the commission of an offence against any other person.

4. The Act is amended by adding the following after section 2.1:

2.2 (1) For the purposes of sections 606, 672.5, 722, 737.1 and 745.63, any of the following individuals may act on the victim’s behalf if the victim is dead or incapable of acting on their own behalf:

(a) the victim’s spouse, or if the victim is dead, their spouse at the time of death;

(b) the victim’s common-law partner, or if the victim is dead, their common-law partner at the time of death;

(c) a relative or dependant of the victim;

(d) an individual who has in law or fact custody, or is responsible for the care or support, of the victim; and

(e) an individual who has in law or fact custody, or is responsible for the care or support, of a dependant of the victim.

(2) An individual is not entitled to act on a victim’s behalf if the individual is an accused in relation to the offence or alleged offence that resulted in the victim suffering harm or loss or is an individual who is found guilty of that offence or who is found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder or unfit to stand trial in respect of that offence.

5. (1) The portion of subsection 278.2(1) of the English version of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:

278.2 (1) Except in accordance with sections 278.3 to 278.91, no record relating to a complainant or a witness shall be produced to an accused in any proceedings in respect of any of the following offences or in any proceedings in respect of two or more offences at least one of which is any of the following offences:

(2) Subsection 278.2(1) of the Act is amended by adding “or” at the end of paragraph (a) and by replacing the portion after paragraph (a) with the following:

(b) any offence under this Act, as it read at any time before the day on which this paragraph comes into force, if the conduct alleged involves a violation of the complain- ant’s sexual integrity and that conduct would be an offence referred to in paragraph (a) if it occurred on or after that day.

6. Subsection 278.3(5) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(5) The accused shall serve the application on the prosecutor, on the person who has possession or control of the record, on the complainant or witness, as the case may be, and on any other person to whom, to the knowledge of the accused, the record relates, at least 14 days before the hearing referred to in subsection 278.4(1) or any shorter interval that the judge may allow in the interests of justice. The accused shall also serve a subpoena issued under Part XXII in Form 16.1 on the person who has possession or control of the record at the same time as the application is served.

7. Section 278.4 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (2):

(2.1) The judge shall, as soon as feasible, inform any person referred to in subsection (2) who participates in the hearing of their right to be represented by counsel.

8. The portion of subsection 278.5(2) of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:

(2) In determining whether to order the production of the record or part of the record for review pursuant to subsection (1), the judge shall consider the salutary and deleterious effects of the determination on the accused’s right to make a full answer and defence and on the right to privacy, personal security and equality of the complainant or witness, as the case may be, and of any other person to whom the record relates. In particular, the judge shall take the following factors into account:

9. Subsection 278.6(3) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(3) Subsections 278.4(2) to (3) apply in the case of a hearing under subsection (2).

10. (1) Subsection 278.7(2) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(2) In determining whether to order the production of the record or part of the record to the accused, the judge shall consider the salutary and deleterious effects of the determination on the accused’s right to make a full answer and defence and on the right to privacy, personal security and equality of the complain- ant or witness, as the case may be, and of any other person to whom the record relates and, in particular, shall take the factors specified in paragraphs 278.5(2)(a) to (h) into account.

(2) The portion of subsection 278.7(3) of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:

(3) If the judge orders the production of the record or part of the record to the accused, the judge may impose conditions on the production to protect the interests of justice and, to the greatest extent possible, the privacy, personal security and equality interests of the complain- ant or witness, as the case may be, and of any other person to whom the record relates, including, for example, the following conditions:

11. Sections 380.3 and 380.4 of the Act are repealed.

12. (1) The portion of subsection 423.1(1) of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:

423.1 (1) No person shall, without lawful authority, engage in any conduct with the intent to provoke a state of fear in

(2) Subsection 423.1(2) of the Act is repealed.

13. Subsection 486(2) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(2) In determining whether the order is in the interest of the proper administration of justice, the judge or justice shall consider

(a) society’s interest in encouraging the reporting of offences and the participation of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice process;

(b) the safeguarding of the interests of witnesses under the age of 18 years in all proceedings;

(c) the ability of the witness to give a full and candid account of the acts complained of if the order were not made;

(d) whether the witness needs the order for their security or to protect them from intimidation or retaliation;

(e) the protection of justice system participants who are involved in the proceedings;

(f) whether effective alternatives to the making of the proposed order are available in the circumstances;

(g) the salutary and deleterious effects of the proposed order; and

(h) any other factor that the judge or justice considers relevant.

14. Subsections 486.1(1) to (3) of the Act are replaced by the following:

486.1 (1) In any proceedings against an accused, the judge or justice shall, on application of the prosecutor in respect of a witness who is under the age of 18 years or who has a mental or physical disability, or on application of such a witness, order that a support person of the witness’ choice be permitted to be present and to be close to the witness while the witness testifies, unless the judge or justice is of the opinion that the order would interfere with the proper administration of justice.

(2) In any proceedings against an accused, the judge or justice may, on application of the prosecutor in respect of a witness, or on application of a witness, order that a support person of the witness’ choice be permitted to be present and to be close to the witness while the witness testifies if the judge or justice is of the opinion that the order would facilitate the giving of a full and candid account by the witness of the acts complained of or would otherwise be in the interest of the proper administration of justice.

(2.1) An application referred to in subsection (1) or (2) may be made, during the proceedings, to the presiding judge or justice or, before the proceedings begin, to the judge or justice who will preside at the proceedings or, if that judge or justice has not been determined, to any judge or justice having jurisdiction in the judicial district where the proceedings will take place.

(3) In determining whether to make an order under subsection (2), the judge or justice shall consider

(a) the age of the witness;

(b) the witness’ mental or physical disabilities, if any;

(c) the nature of the offence;

(d) the nature of any relationship between the witness and the accused;

(e) whether the witness needs the order for their security or to protect them from intimidation or retaliation;

(f) society’s interest in encouraging the reporting of offences and the participation of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice process; and

(g) any other factor that the judge or justice considers relevant.

15. Section 486.2 of the Act is replaced by the following:

486.2 (1) Despite section 650, in any proceedings against an accused, the judge or justice shall, on application of the prosecutor in respect of a witness who is under the age of 18 years or who is able to communicate evidence but may have difficulty doing so by reason of a mental or physical disability, or on application of such a witness, order that the witness testify outside the court room or behind a screen or other device that would allow the witness not to see the accused, unless the judge or justice is of the opinion that the order would interfere with the proper administration of justice.

(2) Despite section 650, in any proceedings against an accused, the judge or justice may, on application of the prosecutor in respect of a witness, or on application of a witness, order that the witness testify outside the court room or behind a screen or other device that would allow the witness not to see the accused if the judge or justice is of the opinion that the order would facilitate the giving of a full and candid account by the witness of the acts complained of or would otherwise be in the interest of the proper administration of justice.

(2.1) An application referred to in subsection (1) or (2) may be made, during the proceedings, to the presiding judge or justice or, before the proceedings begin, to the judge or justice who will preside at the proceedings or, if that judge or justice has not been determined, to any judge or justice having jurisdiction in the judicial district where the proceedings will take place.

(3) In determining whether to make an order under subsection (2), the judge or justice shall consider

(a) the age of the witness;

(b) the witness’ mental or physical disabilities, if any;

(c) the nature of the offence;

(d) the nature of any relationship between the witness and the accused;

(e) whether the witness needs the order for their security or to protect them from intimidation or retaliation;

(f) whether the order is needed to protect the identity of a peace officer who has acted, is acting or will be acting in an undercover capacity, or of a person who has acted, is acting or will be acting covertly under the direction of a peace officer;

(g) society’s interest in encouraging the reporting of offences and the participation of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice process; and

(h) any other factor that the judge or justice considers relevant.

(4) If the judge or justice is of the opinion that it is necessary for a witness to testify in order to determine whether an order under subsection (2) should be made in respect of that witness, the judge or justice shall order that the witness testify in accordance with that subsection.

(5) A witness shall not testify outside the court room in accordance with an order made under subsection (1) or (2) unless arrangements are made for the accused, the judge or justice and the jury to watch the testimony of the witness by means of closed-circuit television or otherwise and the accused is permitted to communicate with counsel while watching the testimony.

(6) No adverse inference may be drawn from the fact that an order is, or is not, made under subsection (1) or (2).

16. Subsections 486.3(1) to (4.1) of the Act are replaced by the following:

486.3 (1) In any proceedings against an accused, the judge or justice shall, on application of the prosecutor in respect of a witness who is under the age of 18 years, or on application of such a witness, order that the accused not personally cross-examine the witness, unless the judge or justice is of the opinion that the proper administration of justice requires the accused to personally conduct the cross-examination. If such an order is made, the judge or justice shall appoint counsel to conduct the cross-examination.

(2) In any proceedings against an accused in respect of an offence under any of sections 264, 271, 272 and 273, the judge or justice shall, on application of the prosecutor in respect of a witness who is a victim, or on application of such a witness, order that the accused not personally cross-examine the witness, unless the judge or justice is of the opinion that the proper administration of justice requires the accused to personally conduct the cross-examination. If such an order is made, the judge or justice shall appoint counsel to conduct the cross-examination.

(3) In any proceedings against an accused, the judge or justice may, on application of the prosecutor in respect of a witness who is not entitled to make an application under subsection (1) or (2), or on application of such a witness, order that the accused not personally cross-examine the witness if the judge or justice is of the opinion that the order would allow the giving of a full and candid account from the witness of the acts complained of or would otherwise be in the interest of the proper administration of justice. If the order is made, the judge or justice shall appoint counsel to conduct the cross-examination.

(4) In determining whether to make an order under subsection (3), the judge or justice shall consider

(a) the age of the witness;

(b) the witness’ mental or physical disabilities, if any;

(c) the nature of the offence;

(d) whether the witness needs the order for their security or to protect them from intimidation or retaliation;

(e) the nature of any relationship between the witness and the accused;

(f) society’s interest in encouraging the reporting of offences and the participation of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice process; and

(g) any other factor that the judge or justice considers relevant.

(4.1) An application referred to in any of subsections (1) to (3) may be made during the proceedings to the presiding judge or justice or, before the proceedings begin, to the judge or justice who will preside at the proceedings or, if that judge or justice has not been determined, to any judge or justice having jurisdiction in the judicial district where the proceedings will take place.

17. The Act is amended by adding the following after section 486.3:

486.31 (1) In any proceedings against an accused, the judge or justice may, on application of the prosecutor in respect of a witness, or on application of a witness, make an order directing that any information that could identify the witness not be disclosed in the course of the proceedings if the judge or justice is of the opinion that the order is in the interest of the proper administration of justice.

(2) The judge or justice may hold a hearing to determine whether the order should be made, and the hearing may be in private.

(3) In determining whether to make the order, the judge or justice shall consider

(a) the right to a fair and public hearing;

(b) the nature of the offence;

(c) whether the witness needs the order for their security or to protect them from intimidation or retaliation;

(d) whether the order is needed to protect the security of anyone known to the witness;

(e) whether the order is needed to protect the identity of a peace officer who has acted, is acting or will be acting in an undercover capacity, or of a person who has acted, is acting or will be acting covertly under the direction of a peace officer;

(f) society’s interest in encouraging the reporting of offences and the participation of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice process;

(g) the importance of the witness’ testimony to the case;

(h) whether effective alternatives to the making of the proposed order are available in the circumstances;

(i) the salutary and deleterious effects of the proposed order; and

(j) any other factor that the judge or justice considers relevant.

(4) No adverse inference may be drawn from the fact that an order is, or is not, made under this section.

18. (1) The portion of subsection 486.4(1) of the Act before paragraph (a) is replaced by the following:

486.4 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the presiding judge or justice may make an order directing that any information that could identify the victim or a witness shall not be published in any document or broadcast or transmitted in any way, in proceedings in respect of

(2) Paragraph 486.4(1)(a) of the Act is amended by adding “or” at the end of subparagraph (i) and by replacing subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of the Act with the following:

(ii) any offence under this Act, as it read at any time before the day on which this subparagraph comes into force, if the conduct alleged involves a violation of the complainant’s sexual integrity and that conduct would be an offence referred to in subparagraph (i) if it occurred on or after that day; or

(3) Paragraph 486.4(1)(b) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(b) two or more offences being dealt with in the same proceeding, at least one of which is an offence referred to in paragraph (a).

(4) Subsection 486.4(2) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(2) In proceedings in respect of the offences referred to in paragraph (1)(a) or (b), the presiding judge or justice shall

(a) at the first reasonable opportunity, inform any witness under the age of eighteen years and the victim of the right to make an application for the order; and

(b) on application made by the victim, the prosecutor or any such witness, make the order.

(2.1) Subject to subsection (2.2), in proceedings in respect of an offence other than an offence referred to in subsection (1), if the victim is under the age of 18 years, the presiding judge or justice may make an order directing that any information that could identify the victim shall not be published in any document or broadcast or transmitted in any way.

(2.2) In proceedings in respect of an offence other than an offence referred to in subsection (1), if the victim is under the age of 18 years, the presiding judge or justice shall

(a) as soon as feasible, inform the victim of their right to make an application for the order; and

(b) on application of the victim or the prosecutor, make the order.

19. (1) Subsections 486.5(1) and (2) of the Act are replaced by the following:

486.5 (1) Unless an order is made under section 486.4, on application of the prosecutor in respect of a victim or a witness, or on application of a victim or a witness, a judge or justice may make an order directing that any information that could identify the victim or witness shall not be published in any document or broadcast or transmitted in any way if the judge or justice is of the opinion that the order is in the interest of the proper administration of justice.

(2) On application of the prosecutor in respect of a justice system participant who is involved in proceedings in respect of an offence referred to in subsection (2.1), or on application of such a justice system participant, a judge or justice may make an order directing that any information that could identify the justice system participant shall not be published in any document or broadcast or transmitted in any way if the judge or justice is of the opinion that the order is in the interest of the proper administration of justice.

(2.1) The offences for the purposes of subsection (2) are

(a) an offence under section 423.1, 467.11, 467.111, 467.12 or 467.13, or a serious offence committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with, a criminal organization;

(b) a terrorism offence;

(c) an offence under subsection 16(1) or (2), 17(1), 19(1), 20(1) or 22(1) of the Security of Information Act; or

(d) an offence under subsection 21(1) or section 23 of the Security of Information Act that is committed in relation to an offence referred to in paragraph (c).

(2) Paragraph 486.5(7)(b) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(b) whether there is a real and substantial risk that the victim, witness or justice system participant would suffer harm if their identity were disclosed;

20. Section 515 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (12):

(13) A justice who makes an order under this section shall include in the record of the proceedings a statement that he or she considered the safety and security of every victim of the offence when making the order.

(14) If an order is made under this section, the justice shall, on request by a victim of the offence, cause a copy of the order to be given to the victim.

21. Section 606 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (4):

(4.1) If the accused is charged with a serious personal injury offence, as that expression is defined in section 752, or with the offence of murder, and the accused and the prosecutor have entered into an agreement under which the accused will enter a plea of guilty of the offence charged — or a plea of not guilty of the offence charged but guilty of any other offence arising out of the same transaction, whether or not it is an included offence — the court shall, after accepting the plea of guilty, inquire of the prosecutor if reasonable steps were taken to inform the victims of the agreement.

(4.2) If the accused is charged with an offence, as defined in section 2 of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, that is an indictable offence for which the maximum punishment is imprisonment for five years or more, and that is not an offence referred to in subsection (4.1), and the accused and the prosecutor have entered into an agreement referred to in subsection (4.1), the court shall, after accepting the plea of guilty, inquire of the prosecutor whether any of the victims had advised the prosecutor of their desire to be informed if such an agreement were entered into, and, if so, whether reasonable steps were taken to inform that victim of the agreement.

(4.3) If subsection (4.1) or (4.2) applies, and any victim was not informed of the agreement before the plea of guilty was accepted, the prosecutor shall, as soon as feasible, take reasonable steps to inform the victim of the agreement and the acceptance of the plea.

(4.4) Neither the failure of the court to inquire of the prosecutor, nor the failure of the prosecutor to take reasonable steps to inform the victims of the agreement, affects the validity of the plea.

22. (1) Subsection 672.5(14) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(14) A victim of the offence may prepare and file with the court or Review Board a written statement describing the physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss suffered by the victim as the result of the commission of the offence and the impact of the offence on the victim. Form 48.2 in Part XXVIII, or a form approved by the lieutenant governor in council of the province in which the court or Review Board is exercising its jurisdiction, must be used for this purpose.

(2) Subsection 672.5(16) of the Act is repealed.

23. (1) The portion of subsection 718 of the Act before paragraph (b) is replaced by the following:

718. The fundamental purpose of sentencing is to protect society and to contribute, along with crime prevention initiatives, to respect for the law and the maintenance of a just, peaceful and safe society by imposing just sanctions that have one or more of the following objectives:

(a) to denounce unlawful conduct and the harm done to victims or to the community that is caused by unlawful conduct;

(2) Paragraph 718(f) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(f) to promote a sense of responsibility in offenders, and acknowledgment of the harm done to victims or to the community.

24. Paragraph 718.2(e) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(e) all available sanctions, other than impris- onment, that are reasonable in the circumstances and consistent with the harm done to victims or to the community should be considered for all offenders, with particular attention to the circumstances of Aboriginal offenders.

25. Section 722 of the Act is replaced by the following:

722. (1) When determining the sentence to be imposed on an offender or determining whether the offender should be discharged under section 730 in respect of any offence, the court shall consider any statement of a victim prepared in accordance with this section and filed with the court describing the physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss suffered by the victim as the result of the commission of the offence and the impact of the offence on the victim.

(2) As soon as feasible after a finding of guilt and in any event before imposing sentence, the court shall inquire of the prosecutor if reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victim with an opportunity to prepare a statement referred to in subsection (1).

(3) On application of the prosecutor or a victim or on its own motion, the court may adjourn the proceedings to permit the victim to prepare a statement referred to in subsection (1) or to present evidence in accordance with subsection (9), if the court is satisfied that the adjournment would not interfere with the proper administration of justice.

(4) The statement must be prepared in writing, using Form 34.2 in Part XXVIII, in accordance with the procedures established by a program designated for that purpose by the lieutenant governor in council of the province in which the court is exercising its jurisdiction.

(5) The court shall, on the request of a victim, permit the victim to present the statement by

(a) reading it;

(b) reading it in the presence and close proximity of any support person of the victim’s choice;

(c) reading it outside the court room or behind a screen or other device that would allow the victim not to see the offender; or

(d) presenting it in any other manner that the court considers appropriate.

(6) During the presentation

(a) the victim may have with them a photograph of themselves taken before the commission of the offence if it would not, in the opinion of the court, disrupt the proceedings; or

(b) if the statement is presented by someone acting on the victim’s behalf, that individual may have with them a photograph of the victim taken before the commission of the offence if it would not, in the opinion of the court, disrupt the proceedings.

(7) The victim shall not present the statement outside the court room unless arrangements are made for the offender and the judge or justice to watch the presentation by means of closed-circuit television or otherwise and the offender is permitted to communicate with counsel while watching the presentation.

(8) In considering the statement, the court shall take into account the portions of the statement that it considers relevant to the determination referred to in subsection (1) and disregard any other portion.

(9) Whether or not a statement has been prepared and filed in accordance with this section, the court may consider any other evidence concerning any victim of the offence for the purpose of determining the sentence to be imposed on the offender or whether the offender should be discharged under section 730.

26. Subsection 722.2 of the Act is replaced by the following:

722.2 (1) When determining the sentence to be imposed on an offender or determining whether the offender should be discharged under section 730 in respect of any offence, the court shall consider any statement made by an individual on a community’s behalf that was prepared in accordance with this section and filed with the court describing the harm or loss suffered by the community as the result of the commission of the offence and the impact of the offence on the community.

(2) The statement must be prepared in writing, using Form 34.3 in Part XXVIII, in accordance with the procedures established by a program designated for that purpose by the lieutenant governor in council of the province in which the court is exercising its jurisdiction.

(3) The court shall, on the request of the individual making the statement, permit the individual to present the statement by

(a) reading it;

(b) reading it in the presence and close proximity of any support person of the individual’s choice;

(c) reading it outside the court room or behind a screen or other device that would allow the individual not to see the offender; or

(d) presenting it in any other manner that the court considers appropriate.

(4) The individual making the statement shall not present it outside the court room unless arrangements are made for the offender and the judge or justice to watch the presentation by means of closed-circuit television or otherwise and the offender is permitted to communicate with counsel while watching the presentation.

(5) The clerk of the court shall, as soon as feasible after a finding of guilt, provide a copy of the statement to the offender or counsel for the offender, and to the prosecutor.

27. Paragraph 732.1(5)(a) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(a) cause a copy of the order to be given to the offender and, on request, to the victim;

28. Subsection 737(4) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(4) The victim surcharge imposed in respect of an offence is payable within the time established by the lieutenant governor in council of the province in which the surcharge is imposed. If no time has been so established, the surcharge is payable within a reasonable time after its imposition.

29. The Act is amended by adding the following before section 738:

737.1 (1) If an offender is convicted or is discharged under section 730 of an offence, the court that sentences or discharges the offender, in addition to any other measure imposed on the offender, shall consider making a restitution order under section 738 or 739.

(2) As soon as feasible after a finding of guilt and in any event before imposing the sentence, the court shall inquire of the prosecutor if reasonable steps have been taken to provide the victims with an opportunity to indicate whether they are seeking restitution for their losses and damages, the amount of which must be readily ascertainable.

(3) On application of the prosecutor or on its own motion, the court may adjourn the proceedings to permit the victims to indicate whether they are seeking restitution or to establish their losses and damages, if the court is satisfied that the adjournment would not interfere with the proper administration of justice.

(4) Victims and other persons may indicate whether they are seeking restitution by completing Form 34.1 in Part XXVIII or a form approved for that purpose by the lieutenant governor in council of the province in which the court is exercising its jurisdiction or by using any other method approved by the court, and, if they are seeking restitution, shall establish their losses and damages, the amount of which must be readily ascertainable, in the same manner.

(5) If a victim seeks restitution and the court does not make a restitution order, it shall include in the record a statement of the court’s reasons for not doing so.

30. The Act is amended by adding the following after section 739:

739.1 The offender’s financial means or ability to pay does not prevent the court from making an order under section 738 or 739.

739.2 In making an order under section 738 or 739, the court shall require the offender to pay the full amount specified in the order by the day specified in the order, unless the court is of the opinion that the amount should be paid in instalments, in which case the court shall set out a periodic payment scheme in the order.

739.3 An order under section 738 or 739 may be made in respect of more than one person, in which case the order must specify the amount that is payable to each person. The order may also specify the order of priority in which those persons are to be paid.

739.4 (1) On the request of a person in whose favour an order under section 738 or 739 would be made, the court may make the order in favour of a public authority, designated by the regulations, who is to be responsible for enforcing the order and remitting to the person making the request all amounts received under it.

(2) The lieutenant governor in council of a province may, by order, designate any person or body as a public authority for the purpose of subsection (1).

31. Subsection 741(1) of the Act is replaced by the following:

741. (1) An offender who fails to pay all of the amount that is ordered to be paid under section 732.1, 738, 739 or 742.3 by the day specified in the order or who fails to make a periodic payment required under the order is in default of the order and the person to whom the amount, or the periodic payment, as the case may be, was to be made may, by filing the order, enter as a judgment any amount ordered to be paid that remains unpaid under the order in any civil court in Canada that has jurisdiction to enter a judgment for that amount, and that judgment is enforceable against the offender in the same manner as if it were a judgment rendered against the offender in that court in civil proceedings.

32. Section 741.1 of the Act is replaced by the following:

741.1 If a court makes an order of restitution under section 738 or 739, it shall cause notice of the content of the order, or a copy of the order, to be given to the person to whom the restitution is ordered to be paid, and if it is to be paid to a public authority designated by regulations made under subsection 739.4(2), to the public authority and the person to whom the public authority is to remit amounts received under the order.

33. Paragraph 742.3(3)(a) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(a) cause a copy of the order to be given to the offender and, on request, to the victim;

34. Subsection 745.63(2) of the Act is repealed.

35. Form 34.1 in Part XXVIII of the Act is replaced by the following:

FORM 34.1

(Subsection 737.1(4))

STATEMENT ON RESTITUTION

Canada,

Province of ..........,

(territorial division).

To the court that is sentencing (name the offender) who was convicted, or was discharged under section 730 of the Criminal Code, of an offence under that Act.

I, (name of declarant), declare that (check the appropriate box):

[ ]       (i) I am not seeking restitution for the losses and damages I suffered as the result of the commission of the offence.

[ ]       (ii) I am seeking restitution in the amount of $.......... for the following losses and damages I suffered as the result of the commission of the offence.

I declare that I have suffered the following losses and damages as the result of the commission of the offence:

(Complete the following table if seeking restitution.)

I understand that the amount of my losses and damages must be readily ascertainable by the court. For that purpose, I am responsible for providing the court with all necessary documents, including bills, receipts and estimates, in support of my claim for restitution.

Dated this .......... day of .......... 20.........., at .......... .

Signature of declarant

FORM 34.2

(Subsection 722(4))

VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT

This form may be used to provide a description of the physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss suffered by you as the result of the commission of an offence, as well as a description of the impact of the offence on you. You may attach additional pages if you need more space.

Your statement must not include

• any statement about the offence or the offender that is not relevant to the harm or loss you suffered;

• any unproven allegations;

• any comments about any offence for which the offender was not convicted;

• any complaint about any individual, other than the offender, who was involved in the investigation or prosecution of the offence; or

• except with the court’s approval, an opinion or recommendation about the sentence.

You may present a detailed account of the impact the offence has had on your life. The following sections are examples of information you may wish to include in your statement. You are not required to include all of this information.

Describe how the offence has affected you emotionally. For example, think of

• your lifestyle and activities;

• your relationships with others such as your spouse, family and friends;

• your ability to work, attend school or study; and

• your feelings, emotions and reactions as they relate to the offence.

        

        

        

        

Describe how the offence has affected you physically. For example, think of

• ongoing physical pain, discomfort, illness, scarring, disfigurement or physical limitation;

• hospitalization or surgery you have had because of the offence;

• treatment, physiotherapy or medication you have been prescribed;

• the need for any further treatment or the expectation that you will receive further treatment; and

• any permanent or long-term disability.

        

        

        

        

Describe how the offence has affected you financially. For example, think of

• the value of any property that was lost or damaged and the cost of repairs or replacement;

• any financial loss due to missed time from work;

• the cost of any medical expenses, therapy or counselling;

• any costs or losses that are not covered by insurance.

Please note that this is not an application for compensation or restitution.

        

        

        

        

Describe any fears you have for your security or that of your family and friends. For example, think of

• concerns with respect to contact with the offender; and

• concerns with respect to contact between the offender and members of your family or close friends.

        

        

        

        

You may use this space to draw a picture or write a poem or letter if it will help you express the impact that the offence has had on you.

 I would like to present my statement in court.

To the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this statement is true.

Dated this .......... day of .......... 20.........., at .......... .

Signature of declarant

If you completed this statement on behalf of the victim, please indicate the reasons why you did so and the nature of your relationship with the victim.

        

        

Dated this .......... day of .......... 20.........., at .......... .

Signature of declarant

FORM 34.3

(Subsection 722.2(2))

COMMUNITY IMPACT STATEMENT

This form may be used to provide a description of the harm or loss suffered by a community as the result of the commission of an offence, as well as a description of the impact of the offence on the community. You may attach additional pages if you need more space.

Your statement must not include

• any statement about the offence or the offender that is not relevant to the harm or loss suffered by the community;

• any unproven allegations;

• any comments about any offence for which the offender was not convicted;

• any complaint about any individual, other than the offender, who was involved in the investigation or prosecution of the offence; or

• except with the court’s approval, an opinion or recommendation about the sentence.

Name of community on whose behalf the statement is made: ..........

Explain how the statement reflects this community’s views:

        

        

        

        

You may present a detailed account of the impact the offence has had on the community. The following sections are examples of information you may wish to include in your statement. You are not required to include all of this information.

Describe how the offence has affected community members emotionally. For example, think of

• community members’ lifestyles and activities;

• community members’ relationships with others in the community and outside it;

• community members’ ability to work, attend school or study;

• community members’ feelings, emotions and reactions as they relate to the offence; and

• the community’s sense of belonging to the region.

        

        

        

        

Describe how the offence has affected community members physically. For example, think of

• the ability of community members to access services; and

• changes in transportation and routes taken to and from school, work, shopping, etc.

        

        

        

        

Describe how the offence has affected the community financially. For example, think of

• any reduction in the number of visitors or tourists to the region;

• the value of any property that was lost or damaged and the cost of repairs or replacement; and

• any costs or losses that are not covered by insurance.

Please note that this is not an application for compensation or restitution.

        

        

        

        

Describe any fears that community members have for their security or that of their family and friends. For example, think of concerns with respect to contact with the offender.

You may use this space to draw a picture or write a poem or letter if it will help you express the impact that the offence has had on the community.

 I would like to present this statement in court.

To the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this statement is true.

Dated this .......... day of .......... 20.........., at .......... .

Signature of declarant

36. Part XXVIII of the Act is amended by adding the following after Form 48.1:

FORM 48.2

(Subsection 672.5(14))

VICTIM IMPACT STATEMENT — NOT CRIMINALLY RESPONSIBLE

This form may be used to provide a description of the physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss suffered by you arising from the conduct for which the accused person was found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder, as well as a description of the impact that the conduct has had on you. You may attach additional pages if you need more space.

Your statement must not include

• any statement about the conduct of the accused that is not relevant to the harm or loss suffered by you;

• any unproven allegations;

• any comments about any conduct for which the accused was not found not criminally responsible;

• any complaint about any individual, other than the accused, who was involved in the investigation or prosecution of the offence; or

• except with the court’s or Review Board’s approval, an opinion or recommendation about the disposition.

The following sections are examples of information you may wish to include in your statement. You are not required to include all of this information.

Describe how the accused’s conduct has affected you emotionally. For example, think of

• your lifestyle and activities;

• your relationships with others such as your spouse, family and friends;

• your ability to work, attend school or study; and

• your feelings, emotions and reactions as these relate to the conduct.

        

        

        

        

Describe how the accused’s conduct has affected you physically. For example, think of

• ongoing physical pain, discomfort, illness, scarring, disfigurement or physical limitation;

• hospitalization or surgery you have had because of the conduct of the accused;

• treatment, physiotherapy or medication you have been prescribed;

• the need for any further treatment or the expectation that you will receive further treatment; and

• any permanent or long-term disability.

        

        

        

        

Describe how the accused’s conduct has affected you financially. For example, think of

• the value of any property that was lost or damaged and the cost of repairs or replacement;

• any financial loss due to missed time from work;

• the cost of any medical expenses, therapy or counselling; and

• any costs or losses that are not covered by insurance.

Please note that this is not an application for compensation or restitution.

        

        

        

        

Describe any fears you have for your security or that of your family and friends. For example, think of

• concerns with respect to contact with the accused; and

• concerns with respect to contact between the accused and members of your family or close friends.

        

        

        

        

You may use this space to draw a picture or write a poem or letter if it will help you express the impact that the accused’s conduct has had on you.

 I would like to read or present my statement (in court or before the Review Board).

To the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this statement is true.

Dated this .......... day of .......... 20.........., at .......... .

Signature of declarant

Transitional Provisions

37. Subsection 278.3(5) of the Act, as that subsection read immediately before the day on which section 6 of this Act comes into force, continues to apply in respect of any hearing referred to in that subsection that takes place on that day or within 14 days after that day.

38. Section 380.3 of the Act, as that section read immediately before the day on which section 11 of this Act comes into force, continues to apply in respect of requests for restitution made to the court under that section 380.3 before that day.

39. Section 380.4 of the Act, as that section read immediately before the day on which section 11 of this Act comes into force, continues to apply in respect of statements filed with the court under that section 380.4 before that day.

40. Section 423.1 of the Act, as amended by section 12 of this Act, applies only in respect of conduct engaged in on or after the day on which that section 12 comes into force.

41. Section 672.5 of the Act, as that section read immediately before the day on which section 22 of this Act comes into force, continues to apply in respect of any statement that was filed with the court or Review Board under that section 672.5 before that day.

42. The amendments to section 718 of the Act made by section 23 of this Act apply only in respect of sentences imposed in respect of conduct engaged in on or after the day on which that section 23 comes into force.

43. Section 722 of the Act, as that section read immediately before the day on which section 25 of this Act comes into force, continues to apply in respect of any statement that was filed with the court under that section 722 before that day.

44. Section 737.1 of the Act, as enacted by section 29 of this Act, and sections 739.1 to 739.4 of the Act, as enacted by section 30 of this Act, apply only in respect of conduct engaged in on or after the day on which those sections 29 and 30 come into force.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CORRECTIONS AND CONDITIONAL RELEASE ACT

45. (1) The definition “victim” in subsection 2(1) of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act is replaced by the following:

“victim”, in respect of an offence, means an individual who has suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss as the result of the commission of the offence.

(2) Section 2 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (2):

(3) For the purposes of this Act, any of the following individuals may act on the victim’s behalf if the victim is dead or incapable of acting on their own behalf:

(a) the victim’s spouse, or if the victim is dead, their spouse at the time of death;

(b) the individual who is or was at the time of the victim’s death, cohabiting with them in a conjugal relationship, having so cohabited for a period of at least one year;

(c) a relative or a dependant of the victim;

(d) an individual who has in law or fact custody, or is responsible for the care or support, of the victim; and

(e) an individual who has in law or fact custody, or is responsible for the care or support, of a dependant of the victim.

(4) For the purposes of this Act, an individ- ual is not a victim, or entitled to act on a victim’s behalf, in relation to an offence, if the individual is the offender.

46. (1) Subparagraph 26(1)(b)(iii) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(iii) information pertaining to the offend- er’s correctional plan, including information regarding the offender’s progress towards meeting the objectives of the plan,

(2) Subparagraphs 26(1)(b)(v) and (vi) of the Act are replaced by the following:

(v) that the offender has been removed from Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act before the expiration of the sentence, and

(3) Subsection 26(1) of the Act is amended by striking out “and” at the end of paragraph (a) and by adding the following after paragraph (b):

(c) shall disclose to the victim any of the following information about the offender, if, in the Commissioner’s opinion, the disclosure would not have a negative impact on the safety of the public:

(i) the date, if any, on which the offender is to be released on temporary absence, work release, parole or statutory release,

(ii) the conditions attached to the offend- er’s temporary absence, work release, parole or statutory release,

(iii) the destination of the offender on any temporary absence, work release, parole or statutory release, whether the offender will be in the vicinity of the victim while travelling to that destination and the reasons for any temporary absence; and

(d) shall provide the victim with access to a photograph of the offender taken on the occurrence of the earliest of any of the following — and any subsequent photograph of the offender taken by the Service — if, in the Commissioner’s opinion, to do so would not have a negative impact on the safety of the public:

(i) the release of the offender on unescorted temporary absence,

(ii) the offender’s work release,

(iii) the offender’s release on parole, and

(iv) the offender’s release by virtue of statutory release or the expiration of the sentence.

(4) Section 26 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (1):

(1.1) The Commissioner shall disclose the information referred to in paragraph (1)(c) before the day on which the offender is released and, unless it is not practicable to do so, the Commissioner shall disclose it at least 14 days before that day.

(1.2) The Commissioner shall disclose to the victim any changes to the information referred to in paragraphs (1)(a) to (c).

(5) Paragraph 26(3)(a) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(a) that the person suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss, as the result of an act of an offender, whether or not the offender was prosecuted or convicted for that act; and

(6) Paragraph 26(4)(a) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(a) that the person suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss, as the result of an act of a person referred to in subsection (2), whether or not the person referred to in subsection (2) was prosecuted or convicted for that act; and

(7) Section 26 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (4):

(5) A victim may designate a representative to whom the information referred to in subsections (1) and (2) is to be disclosed on the victim’s behalf, or to whom access to a photograph referred to in paragraph (1)(d) is to be provided. In that case, the victim shall provide the Commissioner with the representative’s contact information.

(6) A victim who has made a request referred to in subsection (1) or (2) may inform the Commissioner in writing that they no longer want the information to be disclosed to them or access to the photograph. In that case, the Commissioner shall not contact them, or their representative, if any, unless the victim subsequently makes the request again.

(7) The Commissioner may consider a victim to have withdrawn a request referred to in subsection (1) or (2) if the Commissioner has made reasonable efforts to contact the victim and has failed to do so.

(8) Subsections (5) to (7) also apply, with any necessary modifications, to a person who has satisfied the Commissioner of the matters referred to in paragraphs (3)(a) and (b) or (4)(a) and (b).

47. The Act is amended by adding the following after section 26:

26.1 (1) The Service shall provide every victim, and every person referred to in subsection 26(3), who has registered themselves with the Service for the purposes of this section with information about its restorative justice programs and its victim-offender mediation serv- ices, and, on the victim’s or other person’s request, may take measures to provide those services.

(2) The Service’s victim-offender mediation services are to be provided in accordance with the Commissioner’s Directives and they may be provided only with the informed consent of the participants that is voluntarily given.

48. (1) Subsection 134.1(3) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(2.1) If a victim, or a person referred to in subsection 142(3), has provided the Board with a statement describing the harm, property damage or loss suffered by them, as the result of the commission of an offence and its continuing impact on them — including any safety concerns — the Board shall impose any conditions on the long-term supervision of the offender that it considers reasonable and necessary to protect the victim or the person, including a condition that the offender abstain from having any contact, including communication by any means, with the victim or the person or from going to any specified place.

(2.2) If a statement referred to in subsection (2.1) has been provided to the Board and it decides not to impose any conditions under that subsection, it shall provide written reasons for its decision.

(2.3) For greater certainty, if no statement has been provided to the Board, nothing in subsection (2.1) precludes the Board from imposing any condition under subsection (2).

(3) A condition imposed under subsection (2) or (2.1) is valid for the period that the Board specifies.

(2) Paragraph 134.1(4)(b) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(b) in respect of conditions imposed under subsection (2) or (2.1), remove or vary any such condition.

(3) Section 134.1 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (4):

(5) Before removing or varying any condition imposed under subsection (2.1) on an offender, the Board shall take reasonable steps to inform every victim or person who provided it with a statement referred to in that subsection in relation to that offender of its intention to remove or vary the condition and it shall consider their concerns, if any.

49. (1) Subsection 140(6) of the Act is repealed.

(2) Subsection 140(10) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(10) If they are attending a hearing as an observer,

(a) a victim may present a statement describing the harm, property damage or loss suffered by them as the result of the commission of the offence and its continuing impact on them — including any safety concerns — and commenting on the possible release of the offender; and

(b) a person referred to in subsection 142(3) may present a statement describing the harm, property damage or loss suffered by them as the result of any act of the offender in respect of which a complaint was made to the police or Crown attorney or an information laid under the Criminal Code, and its continuing impact on them — including any safety concerns — and commenting on the possible release of the offender.

(3) Section 140 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (12):

(13) Subject to any conditions specified by the Board, a victim, or a person referred to in subsection 142(3), who does not attend a hearing in respect of a review referred to in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) as an observer is entitled, after the hearing, on request, to listen to an audio recording of the hearing, other than portions of the hearing that the Board considers could reasonably be expected to jeopardize the safety of any person or to reveal a source of information obtained in confidence.

(14) If an observer has been present during a hearing or a victim or a person has exercised their right under subsection (13), any information or documents discussed or referred to during the hearing shall not for that reason alone be considered to be publicly available for purposes of the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act.

50. (1) Paragraph 142(3)(a) of the Act is replaced by the following:

(a) that person suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss, as the result of an act of an offender, whether or not the offender was prosecuted or convicted for that act; and

(2) Section 142 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (3):

(3.1) A victim may designate a representative to whom the information referred to in subsections (1) and (2) is to be disclosed on the victim’s behalf. In that case, the victim shall provide the Chairperson with the representative’s contact information.

(3.2) A victim who has made a request referred to in subsection (1) or (2) may inform the Chairperson in writing that they no longer want the information to be disclosed to them. In that case, the Chairperson shall not contact them or their representative, if any, unless the victim subsequently makes the request again.

(3.3) The Chairperson may consider a victim to have withdrawn a request referred to in subsection (1) or (2) if the Chairperson has made reasonable efforts to contact the victim and has failed to do so.

(3.4) Subsections (3.1) to (3.3) also apply, with any necessary modifications, to a person who has satisfied the Chairperson of the matters referred to in paragraphs (3)(a) and (b).

51. The Act is amended by adding the following after section 144:

144.1 At the request of a victim, or a person referred to in subsection 142(3), the Board shall, despite section 144, provide the victim or person with a copy of any decision rendered by it under this Part or under paragraph 746.1(2)(c) or (3)(c) of the Criminal Code in relation to the offender and its reasons for that decision, unless doing so could reasonably be expected

(a) to jeopardize the safety of any person;

(b) to reveal a source of information obtained in confidence; or

(c) to prevent the successful reintegration of the offender into society.

AMENDMENTS TO THE CANADA EVIDENCE ACT

52. (1) Subsection 4(2) of the Canada Evidence Act is replaced by the following:

(2) No person is incompetent, or uncompellable, to testify for the prosecution by reason only that they are married to the accused.

(2) Subsections 4(4) and (5) of the Act are repealed.

53. Section 16 of the Act is amended by adding the following after subsection (3):

(3.1) A person referred to in subsection (3) shall not be asked any questions regarding their understanding of the nature of the promise to tell the truth for the purpose of determining whether their evidence shall be received by the court.

AMENDMENT TO THE EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ACT

54. Section 133 of the Employment Insurance Act is repealed.