Bill 10, Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Amendment Act, 2010
March 23, 2010
Mrs. Forsyth: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to rise and support Bill 10, the Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Amendment Act, 2010. This bill will allow law enforcement the means to seize proceeds of crime through civil courts. Criminals are more organized than ever, and our law enforcement agencies need powerful tools to match. The roots of organized crime run deep, and we must do whatever we can to help our police enforcement agencies. Taking the assets of a drug dealer or a gang member is and should be a priority. The property seized will be put to victims’ restitution and send a clear signal that not only will criminal behaviour not be stomached, but the wealth generated will be taken away.
Mr. Speaker, as I travelled the province as chair of the safe communities task force, I heard heartfelt messages from Albertans across this province about how they felt that the criminals had more rights than the victims. To those unfamiliar with the criminal world, or the dark side, at the time of my travels there were 54 criminal groups identified, and you can bet that as I stand here on March 23, 2010, there are way more than 54.
Mr. Speaker, recommendation 8 of the safe communities task force report was to develop, enact, and enforce legislation allowing the province to seize money and property gained through the proceeds of crime and use these resources to fund victims’ compensation, crime prevention, and crime programs.
Bill 10, under section 24, indicates: 44(1) Subject to the regulations, the Minister may make payments or grants from money that is paid to the Crown under this Act for any one or more of the following purposes:
(a) compensation of victims;
(b) programs that benefit victims;
(c) prevention of illegal acts;
(d) provision of compensation to the Crown or prescribed public bodies for costs incurred to protect the safety or health of persons or to protect property as a result of illegal acts;
(e) other purposes provided for in the regulations.
My only concern with this, Mr. Speaker, is one word, and that would be “may” versus “shall.” While I’m not a lawyer, that one word makes a world of difference and gives the government the leeway on how the proceeds of crime can or should be spent.
Victims of violent crime strive to regain what was lost, either money or psychologically. Recovery from a violent crime can include time off work, meaning lost income, and in some cases victims can become disabled. Victim programs can offer help preparing for court appearances, preparing victim impact statements. The safe communities task force spoke to the importance of stable, long-term, three-year funding for community-based social agencies with proven outcomes.
Mr. Speaker, Bill 10 talks to what is important for Albertans. They want the bad guy to pay up and those who have suffered at their hands to be fairly compensated.
Mr. Speaker, I’m going to continue to listen to the debate on Bill 10 and hear what the rest of the members have to say about that.
Thank you.
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