Getting Things Done: Supporting Victims of Crime

April 23, 2007

Canada’s New Government has delivered on another election promise by naming long-time victims’ rights activist Steve Sullivan as Canada’s first federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime.

Last month, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson and Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day announced the establishment of a federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime along with a four year, $52 million program to increase the availability of services for victims of crime.

Prior to being named Ombudsman, Mr. Sullivan served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime.

The Victims of Crime Ombudsman will operate at arm’s length from federal government departments with a mandate to:

• Ensure the federal government meets its commitments to victims of crime;

• Promote access for victims to existing government programs and services; and

• Identify and explore systemic and emerging victim issues.

In the last election, Conservatives promised to tackle crime and better serve the needs of victims of crime.

With the appointment of Steve Sullivan as the first federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, Canada’s New Government is building a stronger, safer, better Canada.