Department of Justice

JUSTICE MINISTER ASKS CO-OPERATION OF PROVINCIAL ATTORNEYS GENERAL REGARDING 745.6 REVIEW PROCESS

OTTAWA, February 27 , 1997 -- Allan Rock, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada has written to provincial Attorneys General asking them to issue instructions to Crown Attorneys that victims' families be advised of section 745.6 at the time of sentencing in all murder cases.

Section 745.6 allows a person who has been convicted of murder and has served 15 years of their sentence, to have their parole ineligibility period reviewed.

During the public debate surrounding this issue, it became apparent that victims' families are not advised of section 745.6 as a matter of course, and are often surprised by hearing of a review process taking place via a media report.

"I am asking the assistance of my provincial colleagues to ensure that this simple and practical step is taken to respond to the legitimate concerns of victims' families," said Minister Rock. "As I have stated previously, we are ensuring that the section 745.6 provision is applied sensibly and in a way that reflects public concern." The letter is attached.

Correctional Service Canada and the National Parole Board provide victim liaison telephone lines where victims can access information and provide information about offenders. Victims may call these offices and request that they be kept informed of any change in the status of offenders. The numbers for the Atlantic region are:

1-800-265-8744 or 8644,

for Québec 1-514-283-9925 or 4022,

for Ontario 1-800-518-8817,

for Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta 1-888-616-5277,

for British Columbia 1-888-999-8828.

Ref.  :   Jennifer Lang         Howard Bebbington
          Minister's Office     Department of Justice
          (613) 992-4621        (613) 957-4917