Mr. Speaker, Lisa Freeman's father was murdered 30 years ago. The violent killer was given life in prison, but in March, Lisa found out that he could be released this fall. She relived the pain to prepare a victim’s statement for the unexpected parole hearing, but a lack of action for victims’ rights stole her chance to face him.
A private member’s bill, spearheaded by our colleague from Oshawa, will be tabled today in the Senate by Senator Boisvenu, both tireless advocates for victims’ rights in Canada. It would give transparency to victims’ families, who are often left out of the loop or find out at the last minute about parole requests and hearing dates.
The Victims Bill of Rights says that victims and families have the right to know about and to attend parole hearings, but the system puts up roadblocks. Murderers and rapists are given the privilege, but victims’ families are treated like a second thought. That is backwards. Lisa says, “the system will bring you to your knees.” Like so many others across Canada, she wants to be seen and to be heard about something that impacts her whole life.
Victims and their loved ones should not be casualties of the system. Let us work to put them first.