Victim’s right to information
What information do I have a right to receive as a victim of a crime?
Text version
Right to Information
Ask for information about the justice system, victim services, and the progress of your case.
Canada.ca/victims
Victims have a right to information.
Since October 26, 2023, courts are now required to ensure that steps have been taken to verify the wishes of a victim when it comes to receiving post-sentencing information.
Upon request, victims are entitled to:
- information about the offender and their sentence
- information about the offender’s conditional release
- information about the criminal justice system and their role in it
- available victim services and programs, including restorative justice programs
- information about the progress of the case
Examples of information about the offender and their sentence
- The offender’s name, age, offence, sentence length, penitentiary placement and transfers
- Victim-offender mediation services
- Information about the offender’s correctional plan and their progress towards meetings its objectives
- Program participation and serious disciplinary offences
- Whether the offender has been removed from Canada before the expiration of the sentence
- Whether the offender is in custody and if not, why not
Examples of information about the offender’s conditional release
- Eligibility dates and upcoming reviews for temporary absences and conditional release
- Release date, destination, and conditions of release
- Appeals of release decisions and detention reviews
- Current photo of the offender prior to release
- Copies of parole decisions
How can I request information when an offender is found guilty?
Since October 26, 2023, courts are required to ensure that steps have been taken to verify the wishes of a victim when it comes to receiving post-sentencing information.
Victims may indicate their interest in receiving information about the offender who harmed them after sentencing through their victim impact statement, or by asking the prosecutor before the case is over. Prosecutors should take steps to contact victims to see if they would like to receive information about the case, and courts must now verify that these steps have been taken, and confirm the wishes of the victim.
Victims who have requested to receive information will need to provide their name and contact information to the Court, to ensure they receive the information requested. The victim's wishes will be recorded and forwarded to those responsible for administering the sentence.
Can I attend the parole hearing of the offender who harmed me?
Victims can attend parole hearings in person or virtually, as long as they are approved by the Parole Board of Canada. The application form to attend a parole hearing can be found on the Application Form webpage.
Why should I register to receive information from the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) and the Parole Board of Canada (PBC)?
Registering to receive information provides victims with the opportunity to advise CSC and PBC about what information they would like to receive, how often they would like to receive it, and the format that works best for them. It also allows the victim to ask questions about the corrections and conditional release process and can help them to prepare victim statements to be considered when making decisions about the offender.
Information about an offender is not provided automatically. Some information is discretionary and subject to a weighing of privacy and public safety factors.
More on the process for CSC and PBC registration:
- When an offender is found guilty and receives a sentence of two years or more, victims can request information from the CSC and PBC.
- When an offender is serving a sentence of less than two years, victims can receive information from the PBC – except for those serving in Ontario, Quebec or Alberta, where they have their own provincial boards. In these cases, contact the appropriate provincial parole board.
Victims can register directly with CSC or the PBC by:
- completing a Request for Victim Registration - Application Form or
- using the Victims Portal
The PBC is an independent administrative tribunal that makes conditional release, pardon/record suspension and expungement decisions, as well as clemency recommendations.
CSC oversees the custody and community reintegration of offenders serving sentences of two years or more, through meaningful interventions, programs and services.
Do I have to submit a statement for my safety to be considered by decision-makers?
Victims do not need to submit a statement to the court, CSC or PBC to have their safety considered by decision-makers. Courts and Parole Board members can impose reasonable and necessary conditions in order to protect victims, whether victims request them or not.
For more information please visit: Federal corrections and parole.
What if my right to information is not respected?
Victims can make a complaint if they believe their rights have been breached or denied by a federal department or agency using the complaint systems in that department or agency. For more information, visit Making a complaint about infringement or denial of a victim’s right.
Disclaimer
This fact sheet contains general information regarding victims’ rights. This information is of a general nature and is not intended as a substitute for professional legal advice. For legal advice or assistance, we recommend contacting a lawyer or a legal aid program.
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