Victims Fund - Provincial Territorial Program Funding

Overview

The Federal Victims Strategy consolidates all federal government work related to victims of crime into one objective: to give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system.

The Victims Fund provides grants and contributions to support projects and activities that encourage the development of new approaches, promote access to justice, improve the capacity of service providers, foster the establishment of referral networks, and/or increase awareness of services available to victims of crime and their families. The Fund does not provide criminal injuries compensation for victims of crime.

The provincial territorial program funding component of the Victims Fund supports the implementation of federal and provincial/territorial legislation for victims of crime, particularly provisions of the Criminal Code (such as victim impact statements, publication bans, restitution, victim surcharge, testimonial aids, etc.).  In addition, it supports provincial victims’ legislation and the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime through the development and enhancement of police, court, Crown or system-based victim assistance programs, conferences, public legal education and similar initiatives.

Who is eligible?

Who can apply for this funding?

This component is accessible only by provincial and territorial governments.

Objectives

The objectives of the Victims Fund are to:

• promote access to justice and participation by victims in the justice system;
• promote the development of law, policies and programs for victims;
• promote the implementation of principles, guidelines and laws designed to address the needs of victims of crime and articulate the victim’s role in the criminal justice system;
• increase knowledge and awareness of the impact of victimization, the needs of victims of crime, available services, assistance and programs, and relevant legislation;
• encourage governmental and non-governmental organizations to identify victim needs and gaps in services, and develop and deliver programs, services and assistance to victims; and,
• promote capacity-building within non-governmental organizations.

Activities/Projects

What types of activities qualify for funding?

This funding can be used to assist in the implementation of federal and provincial/territorial legislation for victims of crime, particularly provisions of the Criminal Code (such as victim impact statements, publication bans, restitution, victim surcharge, testimonial aids, etc.).  In addition, funding can be available for implementation of provincial victims’ legislation and the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime through the development and enhancement of police, court, Crown or system-based victim assistance programs, conferences, public legal education and similar initiatives.

Points to Consider

Please note that funding is limited, and therefore, not all eligible proposals will be funded.
The Department of Justice thanks you for taking the time to complete and submit an application for funding.

What improves the chances of having a successful funding application?

The review of the application could take 4 to 6 months to complete.  Please consider this in deciding the start date for the project(s).

Please respond to each question in the application/proposal form.

A project has a greater chance of securing funding if there are other partners, as well as demonstrated support from organizations in the community.

When is the deadline to submit a funding application?

There is no deadline for submitting funding applications under this component. Proposals are approved, in part, based on the availability of funding.

How to Apply for Funding

To apply for funding, please fill out the Funding Application Form.

Official Languages

In support of Section 41 of the Official Languages Act, the Department is committed to facilitating the participation of official language minority communities and their organizations in the development and assessment of the Department's policies, programs and services having significant impact on the development of the communities; and to take measures to ensure that the Department of Justice's programs and services reach official language minority communities. In the context of project funding, these measures include:

• outreach to official language minority communities to enhance their understanding of the Department of Justice funding programs; and
• encouraging contacts between organizations that are receiving financial assistance and official language minority organizations/groups to ensure that the needs of these communities are taken into consideration in relation to the proposed projects to be considered for Department of Justice Canada funding.

Sustainable Development

The Department of Justice encourages applicants to submit proposals electronically.  If you submit your application on paper, please consider printing on both sides of the paper. These actions will minimize environmental impacts.

Publications and Resources

Helpful Federal Government Links:

• Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
• Canadian Embassies or Consulates
• Travel Canada
• Correctional Service of Canada, Victim Services
• Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime
• Health Canada (National Clearinghouse on Family Violence)
• Parole Board of Canada (Victims of Crime)
• Public Safety Canada (National Office for Victims)

Contact Information

Where is more information available?

For more information about the Victims Fund and how to apply for funding, contact us:

Victims Fund Manager
Programs Branch
Department of Justice
284 Wellington Street, 6th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0H8
Fax: (613) 954-4893
Tel: (613) 941-4193
E-mail: pb-dgp@justice.gc.ca
Financial Assistance to attend Parole Board hearings: 1-866-544-1007
Canadians Victimized Abroad/Emergency Financial Assistance: 1-888-606-5111