On November 25, 2020, Ms. Illingworth launched the Progress Report on the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.

During the February 3rd event, Ms. Illingworth will continue the conversation on strengthening victims’ rights in Canada by focusing on a complaint frequently raised by victims of crime to her office: that there is no recourse available when victims are not afforded their rights. Currently, under the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, limits have been placed on the rights of victims so no legal action, appeal or any form of damages can be provided. This leaves victims with only the right to make a complaint. Federally, this amounts to an administrative review of policy or actions taken by the body to which a victim has directed complained.

Four prominent experts will join Ms. Illingworth during the webinar to discuss a series of questions on the legal responsibility and implications of enforceability for victims’ rights:

Invited panelists:

Kathleen Dufour, Director General, Outaouais Crime Victims Assistance Centre (CAVAC)

Arlène Gaudreault, President, Association québécoise Plaidoyer-Victimes

Melissa Heimerl, BA, M.Ed, Executive Director, Ottawa Victim Services

Marie Manikis, Associate Professor and William Dawson Scholar, Faculty of Law, McGill University

Read the Progress Report: The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights: https://www.victimsfirst.gc.ca/res/pub/PRCVBR-RECCDV/index.html

Biographies and additional information: https://www.victimsfirst.gc.ca/index.html

We are pleased to offer interpretation services for this event.