• How is a victim defined in legislation?
• Will a victim automatically receive information about an offender?
• How can a victim obtain information?
• What information can a victim obtain?
• Can a victim receive additional information?
• Can someone ask for information on behalf of a victim?
• Can a victim obtain decisions from the NPB regarding an offender's case?
• Who do I contact for more information?

How is a victim defined in legislation?

The Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) defines a victim as someone to whom harm was done or who suffered physical or emotional damage as the result of a crime. The law considers that relatives or legal guardians are victims when the victim is deceased, or is a child, or is unable to act for his/herself due to illness or injury.

The definition of victim includes other persons where the Chairperson of the National Parole Board (NPB) is satisfied that:

1. harm was done to the person, or the person suffered physical or emotional damage as a result of a crime whether or not the offender was prosecuted or convicted for this crime; and
2. a complaint was made to the police or the Crown Attorney, or an information was laid under the Criminal Code in respect of that crime

Note: Both (a) and (b) must be met in order to obtain information.

Will a victim automatically receive information about an offender?

No, not automatically. A victim must submit a written request to obtain information. A victim may also ask to receive information on an ongoing basis so he/she may know about upcoming reviews by the NPB, about the grant, denial or revocation of a conditional release.

How can a victim obtain information?

The Request for Victims Form (PDF 164 Kb) must be filled in and sent to the NPB regional office serving the area where the offender is imprisoned or under supervision (any regional office may be contacted to find out where to direct the request). A child victim who becomes of age and wants information shared directly should send a written request to the NPB.

To ensure ongoing contact, victims are required to advise NPB of any changes in addresses and/or telephone numbers. Designated employees in the regions are available to assist victims and their families on how to obtain information on a regular basis.

What information can a victim obtain?

A victim may obtain information about the offender's name, the starting date and length of the sentence, the offence for which the offender was convicted, the eligibility and review dates of the various forms of conditional release.

Can a victim receive additional information?

A victim may be given additional information following a written request if the NPB decides that the victim's interest clearly outweighs any invasion of the offender's privacy that could result from the release of the information. In that case, a victim may receive additional information about the:

• offender's age
• location of the penitentiary where the offender is incarcerated
• date on which the offender is to be released, whether it is on escorted or unescorted temporary absence where the Board has approved the absence, or on day or full parole, or on statutory release
• date of any hearing or review
• conditions imposed on the offender by the NPB in any release
• destination of the offender when released on conditional release and whether the offender will be near the victim while travelling to that destination
• the status, whether the offender is in custody and, if not, the reason why the offender is not in custody, and
• offender appealing or not a decision of the Board and the outcome of that appeal

Can someone ask for information on behalf of a victim?

Yes. Victims may name a representative or agent to act on their behalf. However, for the victim's own protection, this must be done in writing as the NPB must be satisfied that the victim has given this authority to the agent.

Can a victim obtain decisions from the NPB regarding an offender's case?

Yes. The NPB maintains a registry of its decisions made since November 1, 1992. The Request for Registry of Decisions Form must be filled in and sent to the NPB regional office serving the a re a where the offender is imprisoned or under supervision (any regional office may be contacted to find out where to direct the request).

Important: The CCRA allows the NPB to withhold information that could reasonably be expected to:

• jeopardize the safety of any person
• reveal a source of information obtained in confidence; or
• affect adversely the reintegration of an offender to society as a law-abiding citizen, if released publicly

Who do I contact for more information?

For more inform a tion, contact the NPB regional office nearest you. Victims may seek assistance by calling this toll-free line 1-866-789- INFO.