OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 27, 2022 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, announced that Dr. Benjamin Roebuck has been appointed to the position of Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime. Dr. Roebuck replaces Heidi Illingworth, who was appointed on September 20, 2018.
Dr. Roebuck is an internationally recognized expert in the field of victimology, which is the study of the psychological effects of crime and the relationship between victims and offenders. Prior to this appointment, he spent over 15 years as a researcher and educator on victim rights. He has been a Professor of Victimology and Public Safety at Algonquin College since 2010, and is a founding member and Research Chair of the Victimology Research Centre, which was established in 2020. He is also currently a member of the External Advisory Committee for the Sexual Misconduct Response Centre, which provides support for currently serving and former Canadian Armed Forces members and National Defence public service employees affected by sexual misconduct.
In 2007, the Government of Canada created the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime to serve as an independent resource for victims in Canada.
The Ombudsperson's role is to ensure the federal government meets its commitments to promote access to existing government programs and services, and to identify and explore systemic and emerging victim issues. The Office operates at arm's length from the federal departments responsible for victim issues, namely the Department of Justice and the Department of Public Safety. The provinces and territories continue to be the primary providers of victim services.
The appointment is effective as of October 24, 2022.
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"I wish Dr. Roebuck every success as he takes on his new role. I am confident he will continue to support victims and survivors of crime and make recommendations for meaningful change so that our criminal justice system treats everyone with dignity, equality, and respect."
The Honourable David Lametti, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
Quick Facts
- The process of filling the position of Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime was undertaken in accordance with the Government's new, merit-based approach to Governor in Council appointments.
- In addition to its direct work with victims, the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime also works to ensure that policy makers and other criminal justice personnel are aware of victims' needs and concerns and to identify important issues and trends that may negatively impact victims.
- Victims can contact the Office to learn more about their rights under federal law and the services available to them, or to make a complaint about any federal agency or federal legislation dealing with victims of crime.
Associated links
- Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime
- Information and assistance for victims of crime
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- Follow Minister Lametti on Twitter: @MinJusticeEn
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SOURCE Department of Justice Canada
media may contact: Chantalle Aubertin, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, (613) 992-6568, [email protected]; Media Relations, Department of Justice Canada, 613-957-4207, [email protected]
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