HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - Feb 6, 2014) - Department of Justice Canada

Minister of Justice Peter MacKay spoke today at the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Nova Scotia Branch Bench and Bar Reception and Dinner during its mid-winter conference. The Minister highlighted the Government's action on a host of important criminal justice issues, such as cyberbullying, accused persons found Not Criminally Responsible on account of mental disorder, and victims' rights.

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada continues to work in partnership with the CBA to ensure a fair, accessible and effective system of justice and regularly engages with the association in their national and regional meetings.
  
  

• In November 2013, the Government reinstated the bill to enact the Not Criminally Responsible Reform Act, which would ensure that public safety comes first in the decision-making process with respect to accused persons found Not Criminally Responsible on Account of Mental Disorder (NCR).
  
  

• The recently introduced bill to enact the Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act addresses criminal behaviour associated with cyberbullying by proposing to make it a crime to distribute intimate images without the consent of the person depicted.
  
  

• Last summer, Minister MacKay embarked on a cross-country series of consultations on the Government's upcoming Victims Bill of Rights. The consultations are in keeping with the Government's Plan for Safe Streets and Communities, which is one of four priorities identified by the Prime Minister. This Plan focuses on tackling crime, victims' rights, and fair and efficient justice.
  

Quotes

"Our Government has taken a strong stand on protecting Canadians, making our communities safer and giving victims a stronger voice in the justice system," said Minister MacKay. "This commitment has been conveyed through the legislation we have introduced to protect our children against serious forms of cyberbullying. Furthermore, it is our plan to introduce a Canadian Victims Bill of Rights which will help ensure victims have a stronger voice and are heard in our country's justice system."

Associated Links

Minister MacKay Discusses Key Justice Issues Facing Canadians at Annual Canadian Bar Association Legal Conference

Government of Canada Reinstates Legislation Proposing a Safer Regime for Dealing with Accused Persons Found Not Criminally Responsible on Account of Mental Disorder

Government Introduces Legislation to Crack Down on Cyberbullying

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