Evidence of meeting #29 for Justice and Human Rights in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was rights.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Élisabeth Brière Liberal Sherbrooke, QC
Thank you.
Earlier, we heard testimony from organizations that are dedicated to protecting victims' rights. To your knowledge, are victims and families aware of the existence of these organizations and the fact that they can get help from them?
If not, which victims should be informed that these organizations and services exist, and that they can use them? When should they be informed about them?
October 3rd, 2022 / 12:55 p.m.
As an Individual
It would be nice if, through our victim services through Corrections, they could compile a list of organizations that are there for the victims. We don't know any of them. We've never been given a list with organizations that you can go to if you need help, if you need to talk or if you're looking for information.
Personally, I don't know what's out there. I have no idea because no one has ever told us.
Liberal
Élisabeth Brière Liberal Sherbrooke, QC
Thank you.
You also said that it had been impossible for you to access an interpretation service and that your father had to fight to get it, so that is a barrier to access to justice.
What other existing barriers do you think would make access to justice harder?
How could we make navigating the justice system better for victims?
As an Individual
For one, we're not given a whole lot of notice before a parole hearing. Three weeks to a month is what we're given, which can make it hard.
Some people can't change their schedule, so they end up not going. I don't think that's fair, because a victim should be there. They should be there to fight for justice and to show that they're there, they're strong and they want to fight.
It's only short notice. Some people just can't arrange their schedule to get to these hearings.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Randeep Sarai
Thank you, Madame Brière.
Thank you, Ms. Davis.
The last round will go to Monsieur Fortin for two and a half minutes.
Bloc
Rhéal Fortin Bloc Rivière-du-Nord, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Ms. Davis, the facts you are telling us are truly deplorable, but they are interesting in connection with our work. I note the question of the lack of interpretation services, the idea of unannounced adjournments, which makes no sense, and the breach of conditions, which could result in revocation of parole. The person can make a new parole application two years after the previous one. Maybe that should be extended to five years, depending on the case.
I would like to explore a point with you, about participation at trial. I understand the major inconveniences caused by last-minute adjournments, the problems with interpretation and all that.
During the pandemic, we worked virtually a lot. For example, I am at my constituency office right now, because I could not be in Ottawa. I can participate in the Committee's work virtually. We have access to interpretation services, so the questions I ask in French are interpreted in English, and the answers given in English are interpreted in French. This is an effective service and I will take this opportunity to thank the interpreters.
Do you think that if parole hearings were adapted and allowed for participation by the accused or the inmate applying for parole in person and if they also allowed victims to attend hearings virtually, that would be satisfactory, or not?
As an Individual
Yes, we tried to get that for the last hearing and we were told they couldn't do video for us. The offender and the Parole Board had video, which I assume was maybe like this, like Zoom, but it wasn't offered to us. We weren't happy about it. We were on a phone for hours and hours. For victims it helps to be there in person and actually see what's going on.
Bloc
Rhéal Fortin Bloc Rivière-du-Nord, QC
Since I have only a few seconds left, I will be brief.
Were you told why it was not possible for the victims?
As an Individual
They just said they didn't have the equipment to do it. They just couldn't do it.
Bloc
Rhéal Fortin Bloc Rivière-du-Nord, QC
And yet the equipment was offered to the accused and the Crown representatives.
Why was it not offered to the victims? Were you given an explanation for that?
As an Individual
I don't believe so, aside from just saying they didn't have the ability to do it for that, which I don't agree with because Zoom was in place at that time because we were using it for school.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Randeep Sarai
Thank you, Monsieur Fortin.
I want to thank Ms. Davis. Mr. Garrison has passed over his time in light of the schedule right now. I just want to thank Ms. Davis, who's been advocating for this for so long for her family. It must be very challenging to go over this over and over again, but we commend you for giving us insight into this.
I want to thank all the members.
Before we go, I just want to let you know for the next meeting on Thursday, from 3:30 to 4:30, in the first round we have five witnesses, but in the second hour we're still waiting for Calgary Legal Guidance, the Criminal Lawyers' Association, the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women, and Dr. Loanna Heidinger. If any of those witnesses are yours, maybe you could just push them to see if they can attend.
Otherwise, the meeting is adjourned. See you on Thursday.