Report of the committee
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
The Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs has the honour to present its
THIRTY-FOURTH REPORT
Your committee, to which was referred Bill C-320, An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (disclosure of information to victims), has, in obedience to the order of reference of Thursday, May 30, 2024, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment but with certain observations, which are appended to this report.
Respectfully submitted,
BRENT COTTER
Chair
Observations to the Thirty-fourth Report of the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs (Bill C-320)
This bill clarifies specific requirements under the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and the policies of the Correctional Service Canada and the Parole Board of Canada. The committee heard testimony from several witnesses that victims of crime are currently not adequately informed about the offender’s release, such as temporary absences or parole, from the federal prison system.
To avoid creating stress and trauma for victims, the Correctional Service Canada and the Parole Board of Canada should proactively ensure that victims have access to information about sentencing and gradual release processes. Investments must also be made to ensure appropriate access to health, social, economic, and other supports for victims.