Advocacy Letters

The CRCVC is frequently asked to present the victim’s perspective to the government, at all levels. Browse our advocacy letters and submissions below.

April 6, 2023 — Read our letter to the Minister Lametti regarding the review of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and the recommendations put forth. CRCVC hopes that tangible, timely changes occur .
October 26, 2021 — Community organizations from across the city are outraged, questioning the legitimacy of a recent sexual assault ruling and calling for an appeal. The Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime (CRCVC), Ottawa Victim Services (OVS) and the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW) believe there was a significant error of law in the case of Edward ‘Eddie’ Ekiyor, who was acquitted on October 1, 2021, of overcoming resistance to commit an offence, kidnapping, and sexual assault. Read here.
September 3, 2021 — Read our call to action asking Canada’s political party leaders about how they will support victims of crime in the upcoming election.
June 7, 2021 — Read our letter to House Leaders to join our call to action and undertake a legislated review of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.
February 18, 2021 — Given the five-year anniversary of Bill C-32: Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR), please read the letter we have sent to all MPs across Canada as we try to make sure the mandated Parliamentary review will take place.
June 19, 2020 — We have responded to the Honourable Doug Downey, regarding VQRP+ cuts. Read it here. (Our original letter is here and his response can be found here.)
May 28, 2020 — Read the response we received, regarding our letter to the Hon. Mark Furey, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Nova Scotia concerning support for victims of the mass shooting of April 18-19, 2020 in Portapique, NS.
May 7, 2020 — Read the response from PBC Chairperson, Jennifer Oades, to our letter to the Hon. Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, in regards to the attendance of victims at parole hearings during COVID-19.
April 24, 2020 — Read our letter to the Hon. Mark Furey, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Nova Scotia concerning support for victims of the mass shooting of April 18-19, 2020 in Portapique, NS.
April 17, 2020 — Read our letter to the Hon. Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, in regards to the attendance of victims at parole hearings during COVID-19.
February 19, 2020 — Read the response we received to our letter to the Honourable Doug Downey, the Attorney General of Ontario in regards to the cut to CICB and the switch to VQRP+.
January 8, 2020 — Read our letter to the Honourable Doug Downey, the Attorney General of Ontario in regards to the cut to CICB and the switch to VQRP+.
April 29, 2019 — Read our letter to Attorney General Caroline Mulroney in regard to the 2019 Ontario Budget and the repeal of the Compensation for Victims of Crime Act (C-24) & the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.
April 8, 2019 — Read our letter to Senator Serge Joyal and the Standing Senate Committeee on Legal and Constitution Affairs regarding Bill C-75 (An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other Acts and to make consequential amendments to other Acts)
August 23, 2018 — Read our letter to the Ministers of Justice and Public Safety Canada regarding the need for a federal response to collective trauma events.
July 26, 2018 — Read our letter to the new Attorney General for Ontario.
June 20, 2018 — Read our letter to Minister Bennett concerning support for victims of the mass shooting of January 22, 2016 in La Loche, SK.
June 6, 2018 — Read our submission to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board with respect to the interpretation and application of section 19 of the Compensation for Victims of Crime Act, RSO 1990, c. C. 24 as amended.
May 25, 2018 — Read our submission to the Members of the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security on Bill C-71 – Firearms Regulations and Public Safety.
May 22, 2018 — Read our OpEd with EVA Canada regarding Reducing Intimate Partner Violence by modernizing our Federal laws.
April 26, 2018 — Read our letter to the Attorney General of Ontario regarding support for the victims, injured survivors, witnesses and first responders of the April 23rd van attack.
February 12, 2018 — Read our letter to the Quebec Justice Minister concerning the treatment of the Quebec City mosque shooting victims’ families by IVAC.
January 17, 2018 — Read our letter to Ministers Goodale and Lalonde, and the Ottawa Mayor regarding gun violence in Ottawa and how to address it.
December 1, 2017 — Read our letter to the Attorney General regarding the Safer Ontario Act, 2017.
November 10, 2017 — Read our letter to the Minister of Health, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, about preventing and responding to interpersonal violence.
September 12, 2017 — Read our letter to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights in support of Bill C-46.
August 1, 2017 — Read our letter to Alberta Justice Minister & Solicitor General Kathleen Ganley regarding the jailing of three sexual assault survivors to ensure their testimony.
May 26, 2017 — Read our letter to the Minister of Public Safety and the Minister’s response regarding mass victimization and Canada’s response capacity.
March 7, 2017 — Read our joint submission with Ontario’s Missing Adults to the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services Consultation on Enhancing Ontario’s Response to Missing Persons
February 8, 2017 — Read our letter with regards to response to victims of Quebec City mosque attack.
January 31, 2017 — Read our letter to the Parole Board Canada Chairperson about Board decision-making in Escorted Temporary Absences (ETAs).
January 30, 2017 — The CRCVC was appalled to learn of the horrific attack on Muslim worshipers yesterday and we send our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and injured survivors. Such acts of hate and intolerance cannot be accepted in Canada. We offer our support and solidarity to the families.
November 22, 2016 — Read our letter to the Minister of Justice asking her to address delays in the criminal justice system to prevent the staying of charges in the most heinous crimes.
November 14, 2016 — Read our letter to the Minister of Public Safety calling for a national Victim Advisory Committee to Correctional Service Canada and Parole Board Canada.
October 11, 2016 — Read our letter to the Minister of Justice in Quebec regarding the compensation program for victims of crime.
August 22, 2016 — Read our letter to the Minister of Public Safety pertaining to extremism and responding to Canadian victims/survivors.
July 8, 2016 — Read our letter to Northwest Territories Minister of Justice, Louis Sebert, about recent layoffs that are very concerning given the high rates of victimization in the North.
May 26, 2016 — Read our letter to the Minister of Justice in regards to her review of the entire criminal justice system.
April 13, 2016 — The Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime presents: “Resisting & Transforming Rape Culture: Innovative responses to oppression, suffering and trauma” with Dr. Vikki Reynolds, Ph. D, R.C.C. Join us for a two-day workshop, May 12 & 13, 2016, where we will explore rape and violence against women, investigate the concept of consent, ethical concerns and social responses surrounding violence against women, and address the importance of language from a social justice frame. For fees, information & registration, visit: http://resisting-rape-culture.eventzilla.net/
April 1, 2016 — Read our letter to the Prime Minister regarding the prosecution of sexual assault cases in Canada.
March 29, 2016 — Read our letter to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour regarding the Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children (PMMC) grant.
March 24, 2016 — The CRCVC was invited to appear before the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs for a study on matters pertaining to delays in the criminal justice system. Read our comments.
February 1, 2016 — Check out our latest publication for victims & service providers: Helping Victims of Fraud Recover
January 25, 2016 — Read our letter to the Ministers of Health, Community and Social Services and the Attorney General regarding the need for enhanced support services for victims of sexual violence in the United Counties of Leeds Grenville in Ontario.
December 18, 2015 — Please be advised the CRCVC office will be closed for the holiday season from December 21, 2015 until January 4, 2016. Faxes and emails will be checked during this time. Wishing everyone a safe, peaceful and joy-filled holiday season! All the best for 2016.
October 28, 2015 — Read our letter to PM Trudeau asking him to focus the government’s justice and public safety portfolios on reducing crime, violence and victimization, and better serving persons harmed by crime across the country.
September 21, 2015 — Read our letter to the federal Policy Centre for Victim Issues asking that funding be allocated to create an office to support and assist Canadians who are victimized when they are abroad.
September 18, 2015 — Read our letter to the four federal parties asking how they will reduce crime, violence and victimization and better serve persons harmed by crime if elected as the government of Canada on October 19, 2015.
August 14, 2015 — Read our follow up letter to Minister Meilleur about the urgent need for CCTV to allow young victims of sexual abuse and other vulnerable victims to safely provide testimony in L’Orignal courthouses.
June 25, 2015 — Read our letter to the Attorney General in Ontario asking her to take immediate action to improve the Ontario Court of Justice in L’Orignal to aid child victims of sexual abuse when testifying & provide meeting rooms for victims
June 23, 2015 — It is hard to believe it has been 30 years since 329 lives were taken callously in the bombing of Air India Flight 182. Most of the passengers were Canadians, many children, traveling to India to visit relatives. It should have been a happy time but instead the families and friends left behind were devastated. Entire families were wiped out. On the 30th anniversary of the tragedy, we stand in solidarity with the victims’ families who still call out for justice for their loved ones. June 23rd is also the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism in Canada.
June 8, 2015 — Read our letter to the Attorney General regarding the need to support victims with the collection of restitution in Ontario.
June 4, 2015 — Along with Voices of September 11th and the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, we are “Investigating the Long-Term Impact of Bereavement Due to Terrorism”. Read more
May 19, 2015 — Read our letter to the Minister of Defence regarding sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces.
April 16, 2015 — Read our letter to the Minister of Justice concerning a federal program that provides important financial assistance to victims harmed outside of Canada and other issues of concern for this population.
April 16, 2015 — Read our letter to the Justice Minister addressing changes to the Criminal Code that will help investigators resolve cases.
April 14, 2015 — We wrote to the Minister of Public Safety about the importance of funding a program that is proven to prevent sexual re-offending in Canada.
February 18, 2015 — Read our letter to the Minister of Justice regarding the proposed Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.
December 4, 2014 — We appeared today before the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs to provide comments on Bill C-483, which amends the Corrections and Conditional Release Act with respect to escorted temporary absences for offenders serving life sentences.
November 6, 2014 — Read our brief to the Justice Committee on Bill C-32, the Victims Bill of Rights.
October 21, 2014 — Read CRCVC’s comments today in support of Bill C-591, An Act to Amend the Canada Pension Plan and the Old Age Security Act (pension and benefits).BILL C-591
July 21, 2014 — Read our letter to the Attorney General of Ontario calling for longer term, victim-centred support services.
June 3, 2014 — Read our letter to the Minister of National Defence concerning sexual assault in the Canadian military.
May 7, 2014 — CRCVC is honoured to announce that Magnolia Canada is joining the effort to assist women who are victims of violent crimes. In all of their Canadian locations during the month of June, Magnolia Silver will be offering Infinity bracelets. The beautiful silver bracelet will be sold for $15 and all the proceeds will be donated to the CRCVC. As a chain that employs and caters to women, Magnolia Silver wants to emphasize the importance of prevention of violence against women and support for victims of violence, and they wish to raise awareness of this issue by reaching out to their customers through this symbolic piece of jewelry. Please visit a boutique kiosk near you during the month of June to show your support!
March 31, 2014 — Read our brief to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.
February 19, 2014 — Read our letter to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security in support of Bill C-479.
January 30, 2014 — Read our letter to the Minister of Finance asking that funding be allocated in Budget 2014 for a Missing Persons Index to be added to the DNA Databank.
January 23, 2014 — Registration for the 4th annual FREE VAC symposium on February 27, 2014 in Oshawa, Ontario has opened. Click here for more information & to register.
November 21, 2013 — Read our letter to the Chair of the Parole Board and Commissioner of Corrections with respect to some concerning cases reported recently in the media.
September 19, 2013 — Read our letter to the new Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness asking that a number of victim issues be addressed.
September 12, 2013 — This statement was prepared by a victim we support for her offender’s parole hearing. He remains incarcerated for first-degree murder since 1985.
September 11, 2013 — Twelve years ago today, thousands of lives were lost, including 24 Canadians, in New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania following the terrorist attacks. Prime Minister Stephen Harper urged Canadians to remember those who lost their lives, honour those who fight terrorism and live by the example of those who offered aid on that horrifying day.
June 26, 2013 — Read our letter to Public Safety Canada regarding the proposed framework for RCMP to make referrals to victim services where there is no consent.
June 23, 2013 — Twenty-eight years ago today, terrorists set off a bomb on Air India Flight 182 that killed all 329 passengers and crew members aboard, 280 of them Canadians. We remember those who lost their lives in this attack, and also to pay tribute to the memory of victims of other acts of terrorism, including the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in the U.S., and most recently the Boston Marathon bombings and the terror attack in Woolwich, London. The CRCVC stands in solidarity with all Canadians affected by terrorist acts and those who risk their lives to stand up against terrorism around the world.
June 13, 2013 — Read our presentation to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights on Bill C-54, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the National Defence Act (mental disorder).
June 3, 2013 — Register for the Men’s Project Summer Institute on Men, Trauma & Recovery, 5 days of workshops for service providers working with male survivors from June 10 – 14, 2013 in Ottawa, Ontario. See the attached brochure or contact: The Men’s Project 180 Argyle Ave., Suite 321 Ottawa,ON K2P 1B7 Tel: 613.230.6179 www.themensproject.ca
May 14, 2013 — Read our letter in support of the “The Respecting Families of Murdered and Brutalized Persons Act“.
May 8, 2013 — Check out this newly published resource from the National Office for Victims at Public Safety Canada entitled “Preparing Victims for the Release of a Federal Offender”
May 7, 2013 — Read our letter in support of Private Member’s Bill C-478.
March 28, 2013 — Read this 2012 publication by Dr Jo-Anne Wemmers, professor at School of Criminology, University of Montreal.
March 5, 2013 — The CRCVC’s Executive Director will be at Memorial University on March 20th and the topic of discussion is “Are we there yet? Respecting the human rights of crime victims in Canada”. See poster for more details.
February 28, 2013 — Read our letter to the Minister of Justice addressing proposed legislation for a federal Victims’ Bill of Rights and the issue of restitution.
January 16, 2013 — Read our new publication about talking to children at different stages of development about the sudden loss of family or schoolmates by homicide.
November 1, 2012 — Read CRCVC’s letter to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights on Bill C-37.
October 31, 2012 — Read our letter to the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills, and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) on Bill C-44.
October 25, 2012 — Read our 2012 Annual Report.
June 14, 2012 — Read CRCVC’s letter to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee regarding Bill C-310.
May 1, 2012 — Read our letter to the Minister of Industry supporting an amendment to the federal Radiocommunication Act to prohibit the publication or broadcast, in any form and at any time, of the radio transmissions of emergency services workers in Canada without permission of the originator.
April 30, 2012 — Check out the French version of our information paper “The impact of victimization”.
April 22, 2012 — Our Guide to the Canadian Justice System for victims has been translated into French in collaboration with AFPAD in Quebec for Victims Week 2012. The English and French versions are herein linked.
March 13, 2012 — Please read our new handout entitled Consecutive Sentencing for Multiple Murderers in Canada.
March 8, 2012 — Read our brief to the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science & Technology on the issue of social cohesion & inclusion, particularly with respect to urban safety.
February 17, 2012 — This new bilingual publication (March 2012) provides victims with information about the focus of media; the impact of media on victims; the risks/benefits of speaking to the media; modern technology; tips for interacting with the media and high-profile cases. This may be used as a handout by police, victim services staff, NGOs and others who interact directly with crime victims and survivors. The publication is available in hard copy and online – please contact the office if you would like booklets mailed to you to share directly with your clients. We gratefully acknowledge funding from the Department of Justice Victims Fund. Access this new resource in English or in French and provide us with your feedback.
January 24, 2012 — Read our letter to the federal Minister of Justice regarding funding for Toronto’s new Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.
January 18, 2012 — Carleton University graduate students in partnership with the Ottawa Rape Crisis Center (ORCC) are conducting a research study investigating the gaps, needs and wants sexual assault services according to service users within the Ottawa region. Individuals will participate in an anonymous online survey, regarding their experience of accessing sexual assault services within the Ottawa area.

PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY:
- 16 or older
- experienced sexual violence
- accessed sexual assault services within the past 10 years
Please view this poster for more details or go to the following website to complete the online survey.
December 14, 2011 — Read our letter to the Minister of Justice regarding legislation coming into force.
November 29, 2011 — Letter in support of Bill C-310, An Act to Amend the Definition of Exploitation.
November 26, 2011 — The Financial Assistance for Families of Homicide Victims (FAFHV) program was launched by the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General’s website November 7, 2011. This new time-limited program provides financial assistance to eligible parents and spouses of victims of homicide. The homicide must have occurred in Ontario during the period January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2011. Read more here.
October 24, 2011 — Check out our 2011 annual report.
October 13, 2011 — Advertisement that appeared in the Canadian Jewish News re: the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act.

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