An Overview of Victim Services Across Canada

New Brunswick

Legislation

New Brunswick's Victims Services Act established the Victim Services Fund for provincial and federal victim surcharges. Provincial surcharges are 20% on all Provincial fines, and Federal surcharges are 15% on all fines, while if no fine is imposed, the surcharge ranges from $50.00 to $100.00. These surcharges provide financial support for Victim Services in New Brunswick.

Services

Direct services for victims include:

• Counselling
• Compensation for Victims of Crime
• Court Preparation
• Court Support
• Victim Impact Statement Program

Additional Follow-Up Services include:

• Sentencing De-briefing
• Victim Notification of Release of Provincially Incarcerated Offenders
• Victim Notification of Provincial Notification of Not Criminally Responsible Accused Information
• Liaison with Correctional Service Canada and the National Parole Board for Victim Notification of Release of Federally Incarcerated Offenders

Compensation

The combined total amount of compensation that can be provided to an individual is $5,000, and there are limits on each type of benefit that is available. New Brunswick provides a modest pain and suffering amount in recognition of a person having been a victim of crime. People who may be eligible for compensation include:

• A direct victim of crime
• A parent/guardian on behalf of victim
• A homicide victim's family member

Victim Services: http://www.gnb.ca/0276/corrections/vicser-e.asp