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CAVEAT statement -- April 11, 1997. RE: Letter read by Allan Rock
in the House of Commons
On April 8, 1997 CAVEAT together with other victims' groups presented a
submission to the Standing Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs in response
to the Victims' Bill of Rights proposed by Randy White of the Reform Party.
We drew attention to the need for a cogent, coherent national policy which
would address victims issues and rights and drew attention to the role that
the Federal Government should play in establishing an overall policy and
facilitating the development of national standards with the provinces.
As a result, the multi-party Justice Committee unanimously endorsed the
need to examine these issues. Chairman Shaughnessy Cohen enlisted Randy
White's agreement that they would work together towards a cross-country
examination of victims' issues which would be undertaken by the committee
. In addition, Randy White stated that the Reform Party would agree to support
the cost of such a travelling committee.
Yesterday, the office of the Minister of Justice called the CAVEAT offices
and asked if we would consider drafting a letter indicating his Government
had listened to the concerns of victims of crime. In recognition of what
this Government has done, we did so.
Three years ago CAVEAT presented a petition to Allan Rock on behalf
of 2.5 million Canadians. It called for far-reaching measures to improve
public safety and the treatment of victims. Since then, significant steps
have been taken to address some of these concerns. Although much still
needs to be done, this government has shown a willingness to listen and
to act. We look forward to continuing to work with the Justice Committee
during its comprehensive review of victims issues in Canada.
This was not intended to be, nor was it, an endorsement of the Liberal Government
nor Allan Rock. It was a simple recognition that some issues we have raised
have been addressed to some extent -- high risk offenders, DNA search warrants,
gun control, etc.
There is still much work to be done. Section 745 needs to be repealed. Effective,
workable DNA databank legislation needs to be passed. The Government has
not gone far enough with amendments to sentence calculation.
Most encouraging is the Minister's apparent willingness to see the Standing
Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs undertake a cross-country examination
of victims' rights. We look forward to working with the Government, whatever
Government it may be, in this area to ensure that victims across the country
are treated with respect and that their needs are being met.
CAVEAT has always been prepared to work with whatever Government is in power
to further the ends of victims' rights and public safety. As a non-partisan
organization, we strive to acknowledge the honest endeavours of governments
at every level while at the same time continuing to identify their shortcomings.
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