At this point in our justice system, the offender would have a lawyer, a legal counsel appointed to them, to defend them through the process. What about the victim? We have a defence lawyer appointed to protect the rights of the offender. We have a prosecuting lawyer, and we have the court system to make the judgment. What about the victim? Does the victim have any opportunity for counsel, for input? No, they don't.
With this new structure, Bill C-489 would require that the courts and the administrative bodies consider the victim. What would happen administratively is that they would be required to consider this. I think it would work itself out that they would contact the victim to say what it is they're considering and would the victim be okay with that. The victim, or the guardian or parent, if the victim is a minor, would then give their consent as to whether they could live with that.
There could be a sentencing and administrative process that works for everyone, but the consideration of the safety and well-being of the victim has to be paramount. I believe it's a good balance.