Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime

On April 23, 2007, former CRCVC President Steve Sullivan was named Canada’s first Ombudsman for crime victims, a position and office the CRCVC long called for. The Ombudsman will be responsible for helping victims tap into existing federal programs for crime victims, promote the needs of victims within the justice system and government, review complaints and identify emerging victims’ issues. The Office of the Federal Ombudsman can also issue reports, along with recommendations, to the ministers of justice or public safety, and request a government response. The Ombudsman will operate at arm’s length from the federal departments responsible for victim issues, namely the Department of Justice and the Department of Public Safety.