MINISTER McLELLAN ANNOUNCES FUNDS FOR VICTIMS ORGANIZATIONS IN ONTARIO

THOROLD, May 17, 2001 - Today, the Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announced that the Government has awarded over $73,000 in funding to three victim's organizations in Ontario. The funding was provided through the Department of Justice's Victims Fund, as part of a federal initiative to increase the confidence of victims of crime in the criminal justice system.

Minister McLellan also announced that more than $6.7 million would be provided to projects in the province through the National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention. This national strategy takes an early-intervention approach to crime prevention and community safety and supports innovative, grass-roots responses to the problems of crime and victimization.

"Our consultations with victims of crime and victim advocates confirm that the most urgent need is for information, particularly on the criminal justice system and their role in it," said Minister McLellan. "The funding provided to these initiatives in Ontario will enhance the information available to victims, as well as raise awareness of their needs and improve services to meet those needs."

The Victims Fund will provide:

• $38,850 to the Niagara Victim Crisis Support Services to coordinate with the Niagara Regional Police in responding to those who are victims because of domestic violence and mental health issues. Through this initiative, the Niagara Victim Crisis Support Services will be able to provide intervention and support to victims during the initial police call or emergency room visit.

• $28,000 to Le Phénix based in Alfred, Ontario, for their project Opération Miroir. This initiative will involve research, consultation and public education on issues concerning women with disabilities who are victims of violence.

• $6,500 to the Toronto Child Abuse Centre to create a brochure, which will be available soon, to promote Cory's Courthouse – a Web site designed to assist children and caregivers who are to testify in court. To find out more about Cory's Courthouse, visit www.tcac.on.ca. .

The funding for these projects is being provided through the Victims Fund administered by the Department of Justice's Policy Centre for Victims Issues. Through this fund, $10 million in grants and contributions is available over the next five years for initiatives that will help the provinces and territories implement legislation for victims of crime, will support innovative pilot projects to help victims of crime, particularly in rural areas, and will provide limited emergency financial assistance to assist victims of crime and their families.

To find out more about the Policy Centre for Victims Issues, as well as projects announced today that are being funded through both the Victims Fund and National Crime Prevention Centre at the Department of Justice, visit canada.justice.gc.ca.

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Ref:

Farah Mohamed
Minister McLellan's Office
(613) 992-4621

Catherine Kane
Policy Centre for Victims Issues
(613) 957-4690