Madam Speaker, I wish to thank the hon. member for Kamloops—Shuswap—Central Rockies for sponsoring this legislation. I also wish to thank all members who have contributed or will contribute to our consideration of this bill.
As members know, this legislation has already been tabled by the members opposite in previous sessions. It is an important non-partisan bill that focuses on the rights of victims of crime and their families.
Our government firmly believes that victims across Canada deserve our compassion, respect and support. Under the current federal law, victims of crime are entitled to receive certain information about the person or persons who harmed them. This information includes eligibility dates and review dates applicable to the offender for temporary absences or parole. If adopted, Bill C-221 would amend the law so victims of crime would be entitled to know not only when offenders could be released, but also how officials determine these eligibility dates.
Victims of crime and their families want clarity when it comes to the justice system. They also want transparency and for their voices to be heard. Bill C-221 would give victims and their families the clarity and transparency they seek. It would help victims get information about key eligibility and review dates up front. At the same time, it in no way detracts from the rights of offenders. Their privacy and legal entitlements are in no way diminished or threatened.
The bill also aligns with the advancements we have made in this country to recognize and uphold the rights of victims of crime. Our understanding of those rights and our willingness to apply that knowledge is the work of many people and governments. Governments of all political stripes and members from both sides of the chamber have taken and supported action.
This advancement of victims' rights began in Canada in 1988. That year, the House first endorsed the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime. This watershed development was soon followed by a federal law that gave victims of crime a voice at sentencing hearings. Since then, successive governments have affirmed the rights of victims based on our growing understanding of their needs. This progress is the result of Canada's evolving understanding of the rights of victims of crime and our willingness to apply that knowledge.
Bill C-221 continues these sensible, non-partisan, multi-generational advancements. The legislation makes clear that members of this House have collectively heard victims' voices and are acting on them.