MINISTER OF JUSTICE NAMES NEW FEDERAL OMBUDSMAN FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME

OTTAWA, June 21, 2010 - The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today announced that Sue O'Sullivan has been appointed to the position of Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime.

"Our Government continues to take action to ensure victims have a strong voice in the criminal justice system" said Minister Nicholson. "Today I am proud to announce Canada's new Federal Ombudsman, Sue O'Sullivan - a well known leader in the police community. I have confidence that Sue will be that strong voice for victims and help ensure their needs are addressed."

In 2007, the Government of Canada created the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime to serve as an independent resource for victims in Canada. The Ombudsman's role is to ensure the federal government meets its commitments; to promote access to existing government programs and services; and to identify and explore systemic and emerging victim issues. The Office operates at arm's length from the federal departments responsible for victim issues, namely the Department of Justice and the Department of Public Safety. The provinces and territories continue to be the primary providers of victim services.

"Our Government believes that the rights of criminals should not come ahead of the rights of victims and law-abiding Canadians," concluded Minister Nicholson. "We will continue taking action to help ensure the justice system hears, respects and empowers those who have been victimized by crime."

In 2007, the Government of Canada committed $52 million to further assist federal, provincial and territorial governments respond more effectively to the needs of victims of crime. This year's federal Budget provided additional funding of $6.6 million over 2 years.

This appointment is effective August 16^th, 2010. For more information on the Federal Ombudsman of Victims of Crime, please visit http://www.victimsfirst.gc.ca/

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Ref.:

• Pamela Stephens
  Press Secretary
  Office of the Minister of Justice
  613-992-4621
  
  
• Media Relations
  Department of Justice Canada
  613-957-4207