Good afternoon, everyone.
My name is Evie Ali, and I am the co-founder and executive director of the Go-Give Project in greater Sudbury.
The Go-Give Project began as a small grassroots organization, and we have grown into a municipally funded charitable organization. Our work is rooted in an emergency response framework and operates at the intersection of addiction, homelessness, poverty, mental health and crisis response.
Our staff provide outreach services, a drop-in centre, overdose response, resource navigation, crisis intervention and de-escalation. Our ongoing support to our community's most vulnerable individuals allows us to see first-hand the profound impacts of victimization. Through the work, we witness the profound impacts violence and financial instability have, and usually on those who are the least equipped to navigate complex systems.
While our organization is not a legal service provider, we see every day the impacts that crime and victimization have on individuals. Many of the people we support have experienced theft, assault, fraud, exploitation, intimate partner violence and property damage. For those already living in poverty or instability, even the smallest financial loss can be devastating. Replacing identification, medications, cellphones, clothing or personal belongings, or securing emergency transportation can pose significant barriers to recovery, housing stability, employment and personal safety.
Restitution orders can provide important pathways for recognizing the financial harm caused by crime. However, in practice, many victims face challenges navigating the justice system and often struggle to access meaningful compensation or even understand the processes that are available to them. From a frontline perspective, any measure that improves the awareness of restitution, increases accessibility and reduces barriers for victims is a positive step. Victims should not be expected to navigate complex processes, especially during times of trauma and uncertainty.
As Parliament considers Bill C-238, I encourage members to consider not only the legal framework of restitution orders but also the practical realities that victims are facing, particularly those who are marginalized, living in poverty, experiencing homelessness or dealing with addiction or mental health challenges. The justice system works best when individuals who have suffered from harm feel heard and supported throughout the process. Financial restitution alone cannot undo trauma, but meaningful access to restitution can help restore dignity, stability and a sense of justice.
Thank you. I look forward to your questions.