Victims of Crime Receive More Funding for Support Services
Victims of crime in Nova Scotia will benefit from a new $3.75 million multi-year agreement announced today, Oct. 12.
This federal-provincial agreement provides a 50 per cent increase in funding per year from the Government of Canada for victim services when compared to the previous five-year agreement.
"I want to thank the Government of Canada for their investment in victim services on behalf of all Nova Scotians," said Justice Minister Diana Whalen. "This agreement will help victims of crime navigate the justice system and receive the support they need."
Projects and services covered by the funding agreement include:
- services for Mi'kmaq and other aboriginal Nova Scotians that are tailored to meet the unique needs of aboriginal victims of crime
- services for tracking unpaid restitution orders
- travel assistance for victims of crime to attend sentencing hearings to read their victim impact statements
- testimonial aid equipment to help victims testify and/or read their victim impact statement in court
- more specialized training for victim services officers
- technology improvements.
"Victims should have access to services and programs that can help them recover from the crimes committed against them, as well as opportunities for meaningful participation in the criminal justice system," said Halifax MP Andy Fillmore, on behalf of Jody Wilson-Raybould federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General. "I am pleased that this funding will provide enhanced supports to victims in Nova Scotia."
More than $3.8 million will be spent on victim services in Nova Scotia this fiscal year, with $750,000 coming as a result of this agreement.