MINISTERS CAUCHON AND EASTER OPEN NATIONAL VICTIMS CONFERENCE

OTTAWA, November 3, 2003 - The Honourable Martin Cauchon, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and the Honourable Wayne Easter, Solicitor General of Canada, today opened the first-ever National Victims of Crime Conference in Ottawa. Ian Glen, Chairperson of the National Parole Board also participated in the opening ceremonies.

"This conference, the first of its kind ever held in Canada brings together victims of crime, those who help victims and government representatives," said Minister Cauchon. "This ensures that the voices of victims are heard and their needs are being given the priority they deserve."

"This conference shows our commitment to work with other levels of government, the criminal justice system, the non-government sector, and victims of crime," said Minister Easter. "Together, we are developing a more responsive, inclusive strategy for victims."

The National Victims of Crime Conference, from November 3^rd to 5^th, is being hosted by the Department of Justice's Policy Centre for Victim Issues at the Ottawa Congress Centre.

"I welcome the opportunity to participate in this conference," said Chairperson Glen. "It provides us with a unique forum to listen and to learn from victims through dialogue and discussion."

A keynote address was delivered by Jane Doe, the author of the book "The Story of Jane Doe." Jane Doe told her story in her own words - the true story of a woman who challenged the justice system, the police, and the stereotypes about rape - and won.

Workshops and presentations at the conference will discuss issues from the victim's perspective, such as the criminal justice system, domestic violence, victim service delivery, children as victims and witnesses, sexual assault, restorative justice and training, education and awareness.

The Policy Centre for Victim Issues at the Department of Justice Canada is mandated to work toward increasing the confidence of victims of crime in the criminal justice system, and ensures that the perspectives of victims are taken into consideration when federal laws and policies are developed. The Policy Centre for Victim Issues also collaborates with the Ministry of the Solicitor General, the Correctional Service of Canada, the National Parole Board and the RCMP in several areas related to victims in the criminal justice system. For more information concerning the Department of Justice's Policy Centre for Victim Issues visit http://canada.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/voc/.

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Please note that there is a publication ban as to the identity of Jane Doe, therefore she can neither be filmed nor photographed.