I want to speak briefly, Chair, in favour of clause 52. This is a clause that expands the definition of “victim” in the Corrections and Conditional Release Act. This is important with regard to the role that victims play in the corrections system and their right to participate in hearings, for example, in terms of the parole process, and with regard to their right to have notification of the whereabouts of the offender, as well as various other rights. Important changes made in clause 52 add those.
We support that, because it adds to “relative” a person who has de facto in law or in fact custody or who is responsible for the care or support of a dependant of that person. It expands it to make sure that virtually all victims would have someone who could assist them in ensuring that they have information and the proper notice that victims in general are entitled to. So we support the expanding of that definition.
(Clauses 52 and 53 agreed to)
(On clause 54)