Stéphane Dion and his Liberal Party support criminals

OTTAWA– Reversing years of Liberal neglect toward the victims of crime, Canada’s new Conservative government recently announced the establishment of the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for the Victims of Crime and new funding for programs and services to support the victims of crime. “This is just one more example of real action on crime by this government,” states Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright. “These measures will help ease the burden for victims of crime in the criminal justice system and give them greater access to enhanced programs and services.” The new federal Ombudsman will:

• ensure the federal government meets its legislative and policy commitments;
  

• promote access to existing government programs and services; and
  

• identify and explore systemic and emerging victim issues.

In order to help crime victims navigate the judicial system, the government will also enhance:

• first response service delivery, provided when an individual is victimized;
  

• court-based services, including giving individuals the opportunity to present victim impact statements, supporting children who have been victimized and other similar measures;
  

• services for victims of offenders under federal jurisdiction, to assist them financially in travelling to National Parole Board hearings or to aid those who require support persons to accompany them. As well, new staff positions will be created to provide services to victims on a full-time basis;
  

• assistance for those currently underserved by existing programs, including victims in the North, as well as Canadians victimized abroad, many of whom currently have little support.

“Of course,” states Benoit, “despite the Opposition’s attempts to go soft on criminals, we will also continue to pursue our ‘tough on crime’ agenda in the House of Commons. Although Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion claims that he wants to get serious about tackling crime, when it comes to voting and passing legislation in the House, he is usually nowhere to be found.” In fact, Dion forced his party to reject 2 clauses of the Anti-Terrorism Act to give law enforcement the tools to prevent terrorist acts, ignoring the calls of law enforcement agencies; families of the victims, and his own Liberal colleagues.

“If Mr. Dion is so tough on crime why isn’t he passing the legislation?” asks Benoit. “Why does he drag his feet – or not even show up to vote* – when it comes to protecting Canadian families? In contrast, this Conservative government is committed to making Canada stronger, safer and better. We will stand up for victims and we will get tough on criminals.”

*Dion missed at least three votes on justice legislation during this Parliament

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