MINISTERS OF JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
MARK NATIONAL VICTIMS OF CRIME AWARENESS WEEK

OTTAWA, April 24, 2006 - The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Vic Toews, Q.C. and the Minister of Public Safety, Stockwell Day, today marked the first National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce this first National Victims of Crime Awareness Week,” said Minister Toews. “It is an opportunity to underscore the need for victims to have a voice in the criminal justice system. It is also a time to consider how we can continue to address and advance victims issues.”

“I am proud to take part in this launch,” said Minister Day. “ The Government of Canada takes victims issues seriously, and we will continue to work to ensure victims receive the assistance and support they need.”

This year, National Victims of Crime Awareness Week takes place from April 23^rd to 29^th, 2006. The theme for this year's National Victims of Crime Awareness Week is People, Services and Laws: Did you know?

During the week, events and activities will be held by communities across Canada to raise awareness about victims' issues, the services that are available to victims and their families, and about laws intended to help victims. The ongoing efforts of countless victim service providers who dedicate their time and energy to helping victims of crime, as well as the progress made on victim issues across Canada will also be highlighted during the week.

The Government of Canada observed National Victims of Crime Awareness week by organizing an opening event and symposium at the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec.

All Canadians are encouraged to promote National Victims of Crime Awareness Week locally by joining crime victims, their families, victim advocates and justice professionals by planning and taking part in activities to mark the week.

For information about National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, visit www.victimsweek.gc.ca. For more information about the Policy Centre for Victim Issues at the Department of Justice, visit http://canada.justice.gc.ca
/en/ps/voc/index.html. For more information about the National Office for Victims of Crime at the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, visit www.psepc.gc.ca.

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For further information:

Mike Storeshaw
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Justice
(613) 992-4621

Media Relations Office, Department of Justice
(613) 957-4207

Mélisa Leclerc
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Safety
(613) 991-2863

Media Relations
Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
(613) 991-0657