Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Please use these questions and answers as a guide, keeping in mind that every situation is unique. If you would like more information or clarification, please call us toll-free at 1-866 481 8429.

• What is an Ombudsman?
• What is the mandate of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime?
• Who does the Federal Ombudsman report to?
• Will the Federal Ombudsman advocate on my behalf and support my complaint?
• When was this office established?
• Is the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime part of the Government of Canada?
• What can the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime do for me?
• Can the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims Crime provide legal advice?
• Is there a fee?
• When should I contact the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime?
• What complaints can the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime address?
• What are some examples of complaints the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime may review?
• What are some examples of complaints the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime cannot review?
• Who is a victim of crime?
• How do I register as a Victim of Crime?
• Who can complain to the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime?
• Can I attend a National Parole Board hearing?
• What if I am victimized outside Canada?

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What is an Ombudsman?

An Ombudsman is an appointed government official who hears and investigates complaints made by private citizens against government officials, departments or agencies. An Ombudsman is independent of government and is required to remain impartial.

What is the mandate of the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime?

The mandate of the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime relates exclusively to matters within federal responsibility. The office will:

• Promote access to existing federal government programs and services available to victims of crime;
• Address complaints about compliance with the provisions for victims of crime in the Corrections and Conditional Release Act;
• Enhance awareness of the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime within the federal government to ensure that its responsibilities to victims of crime are being met;
• Identify systemic and emerging issues that impact negatively on victims;
• The Office will review complaints for cases that occurred only after the establishment of the Office in March 2007, unless otherwise directed by the Minister of Justice or the Minister of Public Safety.

Who does the Federal Ombudsman report to?

The Federal Ombudsman reports directly to the Minister of Justice and tables his reports to parliament through the Minister.

Will the Federal Ombudsman advocate on my behalf and support my complaint?

The Ombudsman is not a victims' advocate and all enquiries conducted are impartial and independent.

When was this office established?

The Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime was established in March 2007 by the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Public Safety.

The need for a Federal Ombudsman for victims of crime has evolved over the last decade, and the creation of the Office was recommended by victims' advocates and parliamentarians.

Is the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime part of the Government of Canada?

The Office of the Ombudsman for Victims of Crime is part of the Government of Canada but has been established at arm's length from the federal government.

What can the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime do for me?

• The Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime can only address matters of federal responsibility.
• The Office of the Federal Ombudsman will provide a thorough, impartial, independent review of complaints.
• The Office of the Federal Ombudsman has the power to review, make recommendations to government and report publicly.
• The Office of the Federal Ombudsman will give all parities of a dispute an opportunity to be heard, and treat all individuals, government departments and agencies fairly, with dignity and respect.

Can the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims Crime provide legal advice?

No, we do not provide legal advice.

Is there a fee?

No. The services provided by the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime are free of charge.

When should I contact the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime?

• You should contact the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime once you have exhausted all other avenues for resolving your complaint; or
• If you are a victim of crime who feels unfairly treated by a department or agency of the federal government.

What Complaints can the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime address?

The Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime can only address matters to federal responsibility.

What are some examples of Complaints the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime may review?

• A registered victim was not provided with information as set out in the Corrections and Conditional Release Act;
• A victim was not treated with respect by a federal agency;
• A registered victim was not notified of the release of an offender;
• A registered victim was denied funding to attend a federal parole hearing;
• A Canadian victimized in another country was denied emergency funding;

What are some examples of Complaints the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime cannot review?

• Decisions made by the jurisdiction of the provinces, regarding, for example provincial compensation, police investigations, and violations of provincial victims rights legislations;
• Decisions of the National Parole Board ( i.e. releasing an offender);
• A decision made by a judge pertaining to an offender's sentencing and/or prosecution;
• A recommendation made by the Correctional Service of Canada to a parole board (i.e. support for release of an offender);
• A decision of the Correctional Service of Canada to transfer an offender or authorize a release (i.e. temporary absence for medical care).

Who is a victim of crime?

• You are considered a victim of crime if:
• You have been harmed or suffered physical or emotional damage as a result of someone committing a criminal offence.
• You are a spouse, conjugal partner, relative of, dependent of or are responsible for a victim who has died or is not able to act for himself or herself (e.g., the victim is ill or is a child).

How do I register as a Victim of Crime?
To become a registered victim, you must complete a registration form with either Correctional Service Canada or the National Parole Board.

To learn more about victim services and entitlements call the Correctional Service Canada Victim Services Division toll free 1-866-806-2275.

Forms are also available by calling toll free at 1-866-806-2275. Completed registration forms may be emailed to GEN-NHQVictimService@csc-scc.gc.ca or mailed to the National Parole Board.

Who can complain to the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime?

A request to review a Complaint can be made by:

• A registered victim regarding their rights under the Corrections and Conditional Release Act, or
• Any victim, victims service organization or victims advocate regarding other matters within federal responsibility.

Can I attend a National Parole Board hearing?

Victims may attend hearings as observers or to present a victim impact statement. Financial assistance is administered by the Department of Justice Policy Centre for Victim Issues. For more information please visit: http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/pcvi-cpcv/fun-fin2.html

What if I am victimized outside Canada?

Emergency financial assistance is available to individual Canadians who are victims of specified serious violent crimes in a foreign jurisdiction for emergency situations of undue hardship where no other source of financial assistance is available. (The specified crimes are homicide, sexual assault, and aggravated assault or assault with serious personal violence, including against a child.) This emergency financial assistance is available through the Victims Fund, which is administered by the the Department of Justice Policy Centre for Victim Issues (PCVI): http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/pcvi-cpcv/fun-fin2.html