SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Senate Bill

Bill S-265

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
December 12, 2023
Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime Act
  • This bill, called the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime Act, aims to establish the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime. This office will provide support and assistance to victims of crime and their families by facilitating access to federal services and programs, reviewing complaints against federal departments, agencies, or bodies related to services offered to victims of crime, reviewing Acts of Parliament and government policies related to victims of crime, directing victims to services and programs in their communities, implementing education and information programs for the criminal justice system, identifying issues affecting victims of crime, and making recommendations for positive changes. The bill also amends the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights to enhance the rights granted to victims of crime and establishes a framework for implementing those rights.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of Bill S-265, the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime Act, would be that it provides crucial support and assistance to victims of crime and their families. By establishing the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime, this bill ensures that victims have access to federal services and programs, and that their complaints against federal departments or agencies regarding these services will be reviewed. The Ombudsperson's mandate includes facilitating access to services, reviewing Acts and policies, directing victims to local services, implementing education programs, identifying issues that impact victims, and making recommendations for positive changes. By enhancing the rights granted to victims of crime and providing a framework for their implementation, this bill aims to improve the support and assistance available to victims and ensure their needs and concerns are addressed.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • One steelman argument opposing this bill could be that creating the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime and amending the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights will lead to an unnecessary expansion of government bureaucracy and increased spending. Critics may argue that the current mechanisms in place to support and assist victims of crime, such as victim services organizations and government programs, are sufficient and that creating a new office and framework will only duplicate existing efforts. They may also argue that the additional costs associated with establishing and maintaining this new office could be better allocated to directly supporting victims of crime or improving the criminal justice system. Furthermore, opponents may claim that the Ombudsperson's powers and authority could overlap with other existing oversight bodies or agencies, leading to confusion and inefficiency.
Senate First Reading
  • May 17, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • Passed
Senate Second Reading
  • May 17, 2023, midnight
  • In Progress
  • Read