As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That the Department of Justice establish a national working group with federal and provincial government officials, representatives from community organizations that work with victims, and victims’ representatives to agree on national best practices and minimum standards for victims of crime, particularly as regards the level of support and the services available to victims.

Recommendation 2

That the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights be amended to establish a right to access victim assistance and support.

Recommendation 3

That the Minister of Justice work with their provincial and territorial counterparts as well as victims and community organizations to agree on minimum standards for supports to be provided to victims of crime across Canada, including mental health supports, and that increased funding be provided to the provinces and territories to support victims’ access to these supports.

Recommendation 4

That sections 6, 7 and 8 of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights be amended to clarify that the information to which victims of crime are entitled should be provided automatically rather than on request, and that the government of Canada work alongside the provinces and territories, as well as with victims and community organizations, to determine the best ways to uphold the right to information outlined in the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.

Recommendation 5

That the Department of Justice lead a national effort to develop responsibility training on victims’ rights for criminal justice personnel across Canada to ensure national standards for the treatment of victims, and so all personnel fully understand that they will be held accountable for ensuring that victims have access to the rights stated in the law. The training must be evaluated on an ongoing basis to determine its effectiveness.

Recommendation 6

That the Department of Justice lead a national public education campaign including television and social media to inform Canadians of their rights as victims of crime. The campaign should target victims’ right to information, as this right opens the gate to other rights. Such a campaign would empower victims and enhance their trust in the criminal justice system.

Recommendation 7

That the Minister of Justice consult their provincial and territorial counterparts, the various criminal justice system stakeholders, community organizations that work with victims, and victims in order to determine the best way to support victims’ participation in the justice system.

Recommendation 8

That the Department of Justice promote and expand restorative justice opportunities, and that adequate funding be provided to restorative justice programs.

Recommendation 9

That the government of Canada examine, through consultation with victims and community organizations, how to make the parole board process more conducive to victims’ and family participation.

Recommendation 10

That the Department of Justice work with the provinces and territories to agree on how victim impact statements could be delivered in a less prescriptive manner to allow victims to express their feelings, as well as the impact of the crime on their lives and their families, more flexibly.

Recommendation 11

That section 486.4 of the Criminal Code be amended so that victims must be informed before a publication ban is imposed and given the opportunity to opt out at any time in the process.

Recommendation 12

That, recognizing the importance of the principle of prosecutorial independence, training be given to Crown prosecutors across the country with regard to the needs of victims concerning publication bans.

Recommendation 13

That the Department of Justice work with the provinces and territories to agree on effective means to assist victims in the enforcement of restitution orders.