New Committee To Hear Appeals About Compensation For Victims Of Crime

News Release – August 31, 2007

Victims of crime who apply for compensation for harm suffered as a result of a violent crime will now be able to appeal decisions of the Victims Compensation Program.

“I am confident that the Victims Compensation Appeal Committee will help us respond better to the needs of victims of violent crime so they and their families can begin to recover,” Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. “The establishment of this appeal committee follows the spirit of the Declaration of Principles Respecting the Treatment of Victims of Crime, which has been adopted by Saskatchewan Justice.”The Victims Compensation Appeal Committee was established as part of recent amendments to The Victims of Crime Act, 1995. The new legislation allows victims to file an appeal with the appeal committee regarding the Victims Compensation Program’s decision about their application for reimbursement.

Under the Victims Compensation Program, victims may receive compensation for expenses not covered by another plan such as ambulance, medical, dental, optical, chiropractic and prescription costs; counselling, including traditional Aboriginal healing; loss of income; funeral expenses; and loss of or damage to clothing as a result of a violent crime.

The appeal committee is chaired by Greg Walen, Q.C. of Saskatoon; members are Marlene Bugler of Regina and Tammy Plews of Yorkton.

“It is important that victims of a violent criminal act are treated with dignity and respect throughout their experience with the criminal justice system,” Quennell said. “This new appeals process ensures that, as part of the healing process, victims receive appropriate reimbursement for reasonable expenses they may have incurred during and after the crime was committed.”

Applications and information about the Victims Compensation Program are available from Saskatchewan Justice, police agencies and police-based Victims Services Programs across Saskatchewan.

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For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8606
Email: adinsmore@justice.gov.sk.ca